Atalanta confirms its status as a team with a strong international footprint, with as many as 11 players summoned for national team commitments, a figure that would have been even higher without the injuries of some key elements. Among Serie A teams, only Napoli (12), Milan (15) and Juventus (14) have more players committed to national teams, while Inter stops at 9.
Un’Atalanta formato nazionale
The 11 Atalanta players summoned for the March challenges almost represent a typical lineup, albeit without a goalkeeper. In defense there are Djimsiti (Albania), Hien (Sweden) and Kolasinac (Bosnia), on the flanks Bellanova and Ruggeri (Italy), in the midfield Pasalic (Croatia) and Samardzic (Serbia), while in attack there are Maldini (Italy), De Ketelaere (Belgium) and Lookman (Nigeria). These are joined by Palestra with Italy’s Under-21 team.
As L’Eco di Bergamo points out, were it not for the many injuries, the number of summoned players would have been even higher. Scalvini, Scamacca, Posch, Kossounou and Sulemana would almost certainly have been called up by their respective national teams, as would Retegui, who was forced to make an early return. Carnesecchi, Brescianini and Ederson have also been selected in the past and could rejoin the squad. With these names, we arrive at about 20 players with potential international experience, a figure that underscores the quality and growth of the Nerazzurri group.
Le big di Serie A e il confronto con la Fiorentina
Compared to the major Serie A clubs, Atalanta ranks fourth in terms of the number of summoned players, tied with Torino. Roma and Bologna have 10, while Inter and Lazio have 9. The team least affected by national team call-ups is Monza, with just 4 players. Atalanta will thus have a large part of the squad committed around the world, while their next league opponent, Fiorentina, will lose only 6 players, a situation that could be an advantage for the Viola ahead of the resumption of the tournament.
Pro e contro: tra rischio infortuni e stimoli ritrovati
Sending many players to the national team is a boast, but it also carries risks. Atalanta will find itself with few men available at Zingonia during the break, while selection matches could increase the risk of injury. On the other hand, wearing the jersey of one’s national team can be an important stimulus for the players, who could return to the league with renewed motivation.
At Atalanta, the last to return will be Lookman, who is committed until Tuesday. The Nigerian will return between Wednesday and Thursday, still having a few days of training before the challenge with Fiorentina.
The article Atalanta, one team in national team: 11 summoned, more than Inter and Fiorentina comes from CalcioAtalanta.
