Atalanta’s Italian core an example for all Serie A clubs | OneFootball

While Serie A clubs rely heavily on foreign players, Wayne Girard claims Atalanta are an example of success backed by prized Italian talent.

Look across social media and message boards, and you’ll see Serie A heavily criticised for its emphasis on using foreign-born players. For example, Milan had just one Italian starting on the first match day, while Juventus had four, and Inter only one better than that. Between three of Italy’s most storied teams, that’s not even enough to field one starting XI.

There’s the argument that homegrown players make more sense, long-term, rather than filling in the gaps with those from abroad, who often have transfer fees attached to them. Then there’s also the detriment of playing outsiders and how that has impacted the national team. Recent results for the Azzurri more than suggest a long-term issue in developing players from the academy, and the connection between it to the first team. In truth, it’s a multifold issue that most big Italian clubs face. That is, with the exception of Atalanta.

While they themselves have their own history of scouting talent from less recognised leagues in Europe, they maintain a heavily ‘Italian first’ way of doing things, holding Italian stars on long-term contracts as valuable equity. All while continuing to fight, and of course win, European silverware.

One such example is Giorgio Scalvini. He tragically suffered an ACL tear right before Euro 2024, but would’ve been included in Luciano Spalletti’s set-up. He and Riccardo Calafiori will be a dynamic pair in blue. Scalvini is the most coveted young defender still playing on the peninsula, even after his injury, and there is not a close second.

Matteo Ruggeri is on track to be a force (as well as for the national team), with an impressive start to the Atalanta season as he made a pinpoint perfect cross from a dead stop, headed in by Mateo Retegui for his first goal at the club. A big body on the ball, Retegui is able to shield off the press and work his way forward even with little room on the touchline. Take a look through some of his goals and you’ll see a true striker’s finish. Just 22 years old, he’s been part of the Nerazzurri’s setup since 2021.

Marco Brescianini was the man of that match, though, scoring a brace in his first 90 minutes for Atalanta. That’s half of the 24-year-old’s entire tally last season with Frosinone. Another coup by Atalanta’s sporting director, Tony D’Amico.

Atalanta building on Italian foundations

The aforementioned Retegui came in as a by-product of Gianluca Scamacca’s season-ending ACL tear. While it’s never good energy to call it a blessing, even in disguise, the emergency purchase could have a better end product over his injured teammate. His header from Ruggeri is exactly what he was brought in to do at Atalanta – be the option in the box from a whipped-in cross, and get the edge off the last defender.

Davide Zappacosta is a capable option who will continue to aid Retegui, but new major signing Raoul Bellanova will be ideal. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini gives the wing-back more liberty to get forward and act more in an attacking fashion than hammered with defensive responsibility, making him an ideal candidate to get the most out of the 66-year-old’s tactics.

Nicolò Zaniolo has taken the No.10 shirt, and after a few loan stints following a breakdown of the rapport at Roma, the former prodigy will be under ideal conditions to play fluid football and fulfil his destiny. If it’s ever going to happen for the 25-year-old, it’s this season in Bergamo.

With Marco Carnesecchi and captain Rafael Tolói, La Dea’s future is secured, if not coddled by a veteran defender and younger but mature goalkeeper. The former has arguably the best reflexes in the league, and a nightmare opponent for any penalty taker.

One wonders if Spalletti could have done better this past summer if he had just fielded Atalanta’s current Italian line-up. But if one thing is certain, it’s that Italian football heritage is being led forward by a club that develops and gives their young players confidence. The rest of the big clubs should follow suit.