Introducing Our New Staff Writer

Let's All Welcome Ashley to the Mix

When Atalanta is good that means more articles. Champion’s League or Europa League football used to mean at least 12 more match previews + reviews annually (and now that bumps up to 16 with the new UCL format) , as well as a slew of other articles related to European escapades. Its a lot for one man, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to bring another contributor on board.

I won’t spoil Ashley’s intro, so continue on to learn about the newest contributor to Atalanta Passione. Give him a warm welcome to the Atalanta community!

In Ashley’s Words

Ciao everyone!

My name is Ashley and welcome to Atalanta Passione! With my finger firmly on the pulse, I can’t wait to bring you all things Atalanta and Serie A!

My goal here is simple, to provide you with news, insights, previews, pre/post-match analysis, and maybe the odd exclusive, making sure you are well informed & kept up to date. Hopefully keeping you entertained too along the way!

Football was my first ever love, I have been a huge fan from an early age growing up in the mid-90s/early 2000’s arguably the golden era of Italian football which is still very much reminisced about today. I was very lucky to be growing up watching some of the greatest footballers of all time - names we all adore: Maldini, Zanetti, Baggio, Buffon, Del Piero the original Ronaldo and last but not least... the legendary Francesco Totti, all true icons of the game.

Serie A is and always has been my favourite league in world football, thanks to the quality, the sheer competitiveness, the tactics, and boasting some of the most historic and distinguished football clubs in the world. And of course the passion! it truly is a thing of beauty that is being played in a unique division unlike any other.

But with all those wonderful world-class superstars I mentioned, as amazing as it was to watch them, I fell in love with something else, something a bit different...

a little more modest...

A club who has not had the smoothest of rides in the past and has bounced up and down between Serie A and Serie B on more than one occasion...

A club that is from a small city and is dwarfed by some of the giants in the league...

I am of course talking About Atalanta! I became a fan of Atalanta thanks to a member of my family. He introduced me to them when I was a boy and have followed them throughout my life ever since. From the days of Serie B, I have witnessed the good, bad and the ugly.

If you had told me 20 years ago that Atalanta would consistently stay in Serie A, break into the top 4, have played in the Champions League, and lifted a European title I would have probably laughed at you and called you crazy...

but She did it...

Atalanta in recent seasons have been nothing short of incredible, playing some of the finest football in the world under the stewardship of Gasperini. I couldn’t be prouder to be an Atalanta fan and am loving every minute of this incredible journey!

Outside of Serie A and Atalanta passion, as I got older it wasn't just the football itself that got me hooked, it was the brotherhood, community and the unity that it creates. I’m sure you will all agree with me when I say nothing beats the feeling of match-day! Arriving at the stadiums with your friends and loved ones, feeling the atmosphere build ahead of kick-off, singing along to all your club’s favourite songs and chants. And of course the pure adrenaline you feel when your team scores, hearing the roar of the crowd, feeling the ground shake. Nothing beats that feeling for me, creating memorable moments.

Nothing on planet earth brings people together more than football and I have met many interesting people through it, even some of my best friends I met through my love of football. That’s why I’m very excited to be joining Atalanta Passione and sharing my content and love of the beautiful game with you all and I cannot wait to get started! Feel free to contact me on my Instagram - atalanta_passione_ashley or follow me on X- @atalanta_ash I look forward to engaging with you all and having many intriguing discussions about our beloved goddess!