In Greek mythology the character Atalanta was abandoned and left for dead by King Iasus as he wanted boy for an heir. Given no hope of survival, the story tells of how she brought herself up and against all odds fought back until once again she was reunited with her Father. Fighting back against all odds is a characteristic that the Atalanta of Serie A certainly share with their Greek namesake.
The ‘Orobici’ started the Serie A campaign on the back foot after incurring a six point penalty deduction for being involved in a betting scandal. This not only saw their immediate future in Italy’s top flight come under threat, but also caused them to loose star man Cristaino Doni, who was issued a three year ban for his part. Atalanta are now going to appeal this ban as without the six point penalty they would be top of Serie A.
Atalanta Sporting director Pierpaolo Marino spoke after the game against Novara in the press conference stating that “What has been done in these games is like a miracle. We’d be first without the penalty? For now we must look back. Of course, if Coni returns credibility and sincerity to us and to our captain, who deserves it, we could aim for something more.”
Atalanta have done exceedingly well so far this term and remain undefeated. Their opening game saw them overcome a tough away day in Genoa where they earned a 2-2 draw, This was followed up with a fantastic home win against Palermo and an equally good three points at Lecce. Last weekends game against Novara saw the ‘Orobici’go two goals in front thanks to a good header from Ezequiel Schelotto and then a fine 20 yard strike from Luca Cigarini. There was however, a scare for Atalanta at the end of the game when Filippo Porcari’s shot went through Atalanta goalkeeper Andrea Consigli with a minute to go. Norava also thought they had snatched a point at the end but this was ruled offside.
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