The Crossroads of Stoicism in the Style of “The Goddess” Atalanta

In the final week of the Italian League, the spotlight is on Napoli, who has just become the champion, and Inter Milan, who failed to defend their title. Apart from that intense rivalry, there is another equally interesting development at the top of the table. Specifically, in third place, the "dark horse" team Atalanta has successfully secured a ticket to next season's Champions League.

"The Goddess," the nickname for Atalanta, successfully finished above other major teams, including Juventus, Roma, and AC Milan. The achievement of the team coached by Gian Piero Gasperini is quite impressive. They have managed to remain consistent despite losing many key players, including the team's top scorer in the league, Teun Koopmeiners.

This season, Atalanta has been saved by the acquisition of striker Mateo Retegui from Genoa. Their investment has paid off handsomely. The striker remains the top scorer in Serie A to date, with a tally of 25 goals. The transfer fee for Retegui, 20.9 million euros (approximately 385 billion IDR), is only about one-third of the proceeds from the sale of Koopmeiners.

Retegui has even surpassed the club record held by Filippo Inzaghi in the league (24 goals), with Atalanta still having one match remaining. "Retegui has had an extraordinary season. He scores with his right foot, left foot, and head. (After breaking the record) he should treat me and his teammates," said Gasperini.

The storyline of this season reflects Atalanta during the Gasperini era. From season to season, they have become accustomed to losing their best players. At the very least, this trend has occurred for three consecutive seasons. Before Koopmeiners, forward Rasmus Hojlund (2023) and wing-back Robin Gosens (2022) had already departed earlier.

Atalanta indeed appears to be a stepping stone for players to advance to higher levels. However, this reality cannot be denied. The financial strength and ambitions of the club have yet to rival those of the giant teams. They must resign themselves to losing star players, especially when faced with substantial offers from other clubs.

Even before this season is over, Atalanta is already rumored to be losing striker Ademola Lookman and midfielder Ederson in the next transfer window. Such losses have become a common occurrence and must be faced as usual. They instead view it as a new opportunity.

"The Goddess" seems to embody the stoicism that has existed since ancient Greek times. This philosophy teaches that it is better to accept things that cannot be changed and then focus on what can be controlled. Atalanta cannot prevent players from leaving, but it can bring in replacement players.

Atalanta can be very consistent amidst changes thanks to the figure of Gasperini. They adhere to the system that the coach has established over the past nine years. This offensive playing system has become the team's guideline, more important than the players themselves. Atalanta operates like a factory with strict standard operating procedures.

The foundation of the Gasperini system is unmatched in Italy. This summer, he will have been the coach of Atalanta for nine years. Only Inter Milan Head Coach Simone Inzaghi comes close to this tenure (3 years and 10 months). Meanwhile, other coaches have not even completed a year in charge of their respective teams.

The problem is that Atalanta may lose that system next season. Gasperini has not yet confirmed his future with Atalanta. His contract will soon expire at the end of June. At the same time, major clubs such as Juventus are beginning to eye the 67-year-old coach.

"We will discuss it with the club. Last year, I signed in August after the season started. There is harmony between me and Atalanta so there will never be a problem, but again, football is unpredictable," Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

The coach who has broken the defensive philosophy in Italy is starting to feel concerned. He fears that Atalanta will soon enter a phase of saturation if they continue to remain in the same cycle. "Honestly, unlike previous seasons, I feel it will not be easy to replicate this achievement in the next season," he said.

Concerns arise from the potential for a massive exodus this coming summer. Lookman, for instance, has been part of the team for the last three seasons. His role has become increasingly important each season. However, Atalanta cannot always acquire players who have an immediate significant impact like Retegui.

It is also possible that Gasperini is trapped in a sense of monotony due to being in a repetitive cycle. He can lead his team to the top of the standings, but has never elevated their status to that of a champion team. The coach certainly deserves to manage a team with greater ambitions. The only major team that Gasperini has ever coached is Inter (2011).

Gasperini's boredom was confirmed through information from Sportitalia journalist Alfredo Pedulla. According to him, the coach will stay at Atalanta depending on the transfer approach next season. Gasperini wants his team to move up to the next level by keeping the best players.

If Gasperini truly departs, a dark era awaits "The Goddess." Before the arrival of the charismatic coach, Atalanta was trapped in the teens for five consecutive seasons. Gasperini changed everything. Atalanta has never finished below eighth place and has become a regular contender for the top four. (AP/REUTERS)