Atalanta kicked off their 2026 pre-season campaign with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Serie C side Arezzo in a club friendly played on 27 July 2026. The match, held behind closed doors at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, saw La Dea recover from an early two-goal deficit to claim a morale-boosting win ahead of the new Serie A season.

Match Overview

Pre-season friendlies are rarely about the final score, but for manager Gian Piero Gasperini, this match offered a valuable opportunity to test fitness levels, tactical sharpness, and squad depth against a motivated lower-league opponent. Arezzo, preparing for their own campaign in Italy’s third tier, stunned the hosts by racing into a 2-0 lead within the opening 25 minutes. However, Atalanta’s superior class and conditioning eventually told, as they pulled one back before half-time and completed the turnaround with two strikes in the second half.

Key Moments

• Early shock: Arezzo capitalised on two defensive lapses from Atalanta’s rotated backline. A corner kick was headed home in the 12th minute, and a quick counter‑attack doubled the visitor’s lead on 23 minutes.
• Atalanta fight back: The hosts began to dominate possession after the half-hour mark. A well‑worked move down the left flank ended with a close‑range finish to make it 2‑1 just before the break.
• Second‑half dominance: Gasperini introduced several first‑team regulars after half‑time, and the pressure paid off with a penalty converted in the 58th minute, followed by a looping header from a set piece on 74 minutes to seal the 3‑2 win.

Standout Performers

Among Atalanta’s players, new signing Mateo Retegui impressed with his movement and link‑up play, while young midfielder Giorgio Scalvini (playing in a deep‑lying role) orchestrated the comeback with precise long passes. For Arezzo, striker Filippo Nardi was a constant threat with his pace and was unfortunate not to score himself, instead providing the assist for the second goal.

Context and Importance

The result matters less than the physical and tactical work undertaken, but it continues Atalanta’s tradition of tough pre‑season tests. Gasperini will have noted defensive frailties that need tightening before competitive fixtures begin. Arezzo, meanwhile, can take heart from a spirited display that suggests they could be a force in Serie C this season.