At Atalanta FC, our success on the pitch is built upon a cohesive and exciting playing philosophy that guides our teams in every moment of the game, whether in possession or without it. We believe in developing intelligent, brave, and creative footballers who embody our core values.
In Possession:
Our approach with the ball is rooted in confidence and purpose. We are committed to playing out from the back with composure, building attacks methodically to draw opponents in and create space higher up the pitch. This foundation allows us to control the tempo and dictate play.
We constantly seek to dominate space, always looking for opportunities to switch play and exploit weaknesses in the opposition's defence. Our players are encouraged to be patient and purposeful in their build-up, valuing the ball by keeping and being patient in possession. We emphasize playing through the thirds, connecting defence to midfield and midfield to attack seamlessly with precision.
When the moment is right, we are decisive and clinical. We instil a mindset where players are brave, bold, and ready to take our chances. Above all, we champion creativity, encouraging our players to innovate, try the unexpected, and unlock defences with flair and imagination.
Out of Possession:
Our intensity doesn't wane when we lose the ball; in fact, it often intensifies. Our "Out of Possession" philosophy is built on aggression, bravery, and collective responsibility to reclaim possession quickly and decisively.
It all starts from the front: we press from the front with intelligence and purpose, stifling opponents' build-up and forcing errors high up the pitch. This proactive pressure is designed to win the ball back in dangerous areas, turning defence into immediate attack.
When possession is lost, there's no hesitation. We immediately counter-press and counter-attack, swarming the ball to regain it as close to the opposition's goal as possible. This rapid transition allows us to exploit disorganised defences and create scoring opportunities almost instantly.
Defending is a unified effort that demands courage and discipline. We expect our players to be brave as a team to defend, committing to every tackle and challenging for every ball. Our defensive shape is crucial: we strive to be compact, denying space in central areas and forcing opponents wide. Every player understands their role in the team's defensive structure, always looking to recover quickly and provide cover to teammates. Ultimately, we defend as a team, moving and working together to protect our goal and regain control of the game.
This integrated approach – combining structured possession with relentless defensive pressure – is what makes Atalanta FC's football both effective and exciting. It's a style that nurtures technically skilled, tactically astute, and mentally tough young women ready to excel.
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