Italian clubs started the Champions League knockout stages on the wrong foot. Juventus and Lazio both lost their first leg encounters in the round of 16 against Porto and Bayern Munich respectively. Although the matches were very different, but they both included shocking defensive gifts from the Serie A sides towards their happy opponents. Therefore, will Atalanta once again act as the main flagbearer for the calcio world in the Champions League?
After the disappointing elimination of Inter in the group stages, three Italian clubs qualified to represent their country in the more intense part of the European competition.
But as is the custom of the last decade or so, Serie A clubs don’t tend to go far in the knockout stages.
Ever since the Nerazzurri‘s triple-winning season in 2010, only Juventus have managed to reach the Final in 2015 and 2017, whilst Roma beat the odds to book a Semi Final spot in 2018.
So expecting several Serie A clubs to go beyond the Quarter Finals would unfortunately be wishful thinking – especially after the latest results.
Let’s begin by stating that Lazio should already be counted out – bar a miracle – after their humbling 4-1 defeat at home. The Biancocelesti’s main focus should be avoiding another catastrophic defeat at the Allianz Arena.
Although the Bianconeri are still alive and kicking, the Italian champions aren’t enjoying their best season.
Even if Andrea Pirlo’s men found their way beyond Porto, would they be able to challenge Europe’s best clubs with all their ongoing problems which could finally see them succumbing their domestic domination?
Therefore, Atalanta might just be the one true Italian side that can put on an exciting run in the Champions League.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men almost reached the Semi Finals last season if it wasn’t for a late heartbreak against PSG.
La Dea now possess a little more experience on this stage, and they will be playing their usual exciting brand of football without feeling the pressure to win.
Nonetheless, it must be noted that whilst the Bergamo-based side is playing in the competition for the second time in its history, their opponents are the greatest club in the history of the European cup.
Real Madrid have won the Champions League on 13 occasions – more than anyone else – but with great achievements comes great pressure, and Zinedine Zidane is already feeling the heat during this underwhelming season.
So can Atalanta’s free flowing football prevail against Los Blancos’ legacy and prevent another disappointing season for Italians in Europe?