UEFA President praises Atalanta as ‘powerful European force’ | OneFootball

Atalanta have released a statement thanking UEFA President Aleksandar Ceferin for singling them out as a ‘powerful European force’ in football.

La Dea spent most of their history bouncing around in the lower divisions, but over the last decade with coach Gian Piero Gasperini have climbed the levels to be a regular not only in Serie A, but also the Champions League.

They reached the pinnacle last season by beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to lift the Europa League, the first ever UEFA trophy for the club from Bergamo.

With this in mind, they were praised by UEFA President Ceferin during the assembly of the European Club Association.

Ceferin hails Atalanta success story

“Just look at Europa League winner Atalanta, a club from a region dominated by two giants,” said Ceferin, referring to Lombardy neighbours Inter and Milan.

“Against the odds, they have established themselves as a powerful European force. Last season, they celebrated their first-ever continental title – an incredible achievement for a club that has been knocking on the door of greatness since 2020, when they nearly reached the Champions League semi-final.

“Their success is built on bold ideas combined with visionary and sustainable financial management. Atalanta – and Olympiacos – are living evidence that even smaller clubs can rise to the very top of European football.”

Atalanta were deeply moved by the praise, releasing a statement from President Antonio Percassi and CEO Luca Percassi expressing their “utmost gratitude” for these words.

Ceferin also had an ulterior motive to single out La Dea, who represent one of the few clubs in Europe’s big five leagues who combine success with a blooming bank balance, running at a profit where many others are in debt.