After three consecutive third-place finishes, Atalanta finished last season in eighth place.
It was the first time La Dea failed to qualify for a European competition since the 2015/16 season.
In a period that brought plenty of adulation for their quick passing, intense pressing, and high-risk possession-based approach, many people saw last season’s eighth place as a fall from grace and the end of an era.
However, it has been quite the opposite as the start of this season has seen Gian Piero Gasperini’s team make their best start to a Serie A campaign, With eight games played they have won six, drawn two and have not yet experienced defeat.
We are used to seeing Gasperini’s Atalanta aiming to keep possession aiming to play high up the pitch and looking to outscore their opponent.
Instead, we are now seeing an Atalanta team that keeps less possession makes fewer passes, takes fewer shots, and sits in a solid defensive block.
This scout report will provide a tactical analysis of Atalanta’s start to the season.
We will look at the changes made to Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical approach, as the Italian coach has made key changes within his tactics to make Atalanta more pragmatic and more adaptable.
Formation
Although there have been changes to the team’s tactical approach, one thing that Gasperini hasn’t changed is his preference for a three-at-the-back formation.
The 3-4-3, 3-4-1-2 and 3-4-2-1 formations have still been the main base formations used by Atalanta this season.
