Atalanta BC Under-23
Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio Under-23, or simply Atalanta U23, is a professional football club based in Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy, which acts as the reserve team of club Atalanta. Founded on 4 August 2023, the club competes in Serie C Group A and the Coppa Italia Serie C. History Historically, Atalanta has been known for its youth academy, both in Italy and across Europe. The Atalanta side that won the 1962–63 Coppa Italia was predominantly composed of players trained in the club's youth ranks such as Angelo Domenghini and Piero Gardoni. Additionally, many players who began their professional careers at Atalanta went on to play in Europe's most successful clubs, such as Gaetano Scirea (who would also win the 1982 FIFA World Cup with Italy). Following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the Italian Football Federation implemented several reforms, among them the reintroduction of reserve teams, which already existed in other countries such as Spain, Germany, Portugal, and England. They play in the same league system as first teams, subject to special regulations such as being restricted to a lower division than that of their corresponding first team. Juventus was the first Italian club to establish a reserve team; Juventus Next Gen (then known as Juventus U23) was admitted to the 2018–19 Serie C on 3 August 2018. Several other clubs expressed interest in establishing a reserve team during the following years. However, prior to 2023, none materialized, and reserve teams drew criticism from fans of Serie B and Serie C clubs; FIGC president Gabriele Gravina nonetheless defended the project. In spring 2023, Atalanta announced its intention to establish a reserve team, to provide continuity for players continuing beyond the Primavera (under 19) team. Atalanta filed for admission of its second team on 14 July 2023; on 4 August 2023, Atalanta Under 23 was officially admitted to Serie C for the 2023–24 season, becoming the second Italian club to have a reserve team. The club's admission to Serie C was confirmed following the exclusion of Siena due to financial irregularities. Atalanta Under-23 competes in Serie C Group A. The team played its first match on 3 September 2023, a 2–3 home loss against Virtus Verona. On 15 September, Atalanta Under-23 gained their first ever victory, a 3–2 home win over Giana Erminio. Stadium The club will play its home matches at the Stadio Comunale in Caravaggio, a comune in the Province of Bergamo. However, the first few matches of the 2023–24 season will instead be played at the Stadio Comunale in Gorgonzola, while the stadium in Caravaggio undergoes renovations. Players Coaching staff References Atalanta BC 2023 establishments in Italy Association football clubs established in 2023 Italian reserve football teams Serie C clubs