The 2025/26 season finds Atalanta BC at a fascinating crossroads, as the Bergamaschi seek to maintain their status as Serie A’s most consistent overachievers following the departure of Gian Piero Gasperini after nine transformative years. The 70-year-old tactician’s decision to step down in summer 2025 brought an end to the most successful era in the club’s 117-year history—one that included a Europa League triumph (2024), three consecutive top-four finishes, and a reputation for playing the most thrilling, goal-laden football in Italy. His successor has inherited a squad still bearing Gasperini’s fingerprints: high-intensity pressing, man-marking systems, attacking wing-backs, and a relentless commitment to outscoring opponents rather than containing them. The Gewiss Stadium, recently expanded to over 21,000, continues to host a passionate fanbase that has watched their club transform from provincial also-rans into European regulars. This season’s squad reflects that identity: undervalued internationals, homegrown Italian talents, and South American flair, all drilled in Gasperini’s (and now his successor’s) demanding tactical system. Below lies an exhaustive examination of Atalanta’s first-team roster for 2025/26, organised by position, with each player’s journey, financial details, and stylistic fingerprints dissected thoroughly.
Goalkeepers
1. Marco Carnesecchi
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Cesena, Cremonese (loan), Atalanta
Transfer Fee: £5 million (2022, following loan)
Marco Carnesecchi has become Atalanta’s undisputed number one and one of Serie A’s most promising young goalkeepers, the Italian shot-stopper providing reflexes, distribution, and composure following his patient ascent through the club’s ranks. The 25-year-old’s shot-stopping (76% save percentage in 2024/25, 75% in 2025/26 to date) and post-shot expected goals prevented (PSxG+/- of +5.6, ranking fourth among Serie A keepers) have been instrumental in Atalanta’s continued European qualification. Carnesecchi’s distribution (89% pass completion), particularly his quick throws to initiate counters and short passes to centre-backs, suits Atalanta’s high-tempo transition system. Having started 34 league matches in 2025/26, keeping 13 clean sheets, he has silenced pre-season sceptics. Carnesecchi’s relationship with Italian teammates provides comfort; his loan experiences provided essential first-team exposure. Carnesecchi’s contract runs through 2029, with Atalanta rejecting January 2026 approaches from Premier League clubs. Carnesecchi’s performance against Napoli in November 2025—making 11 saves, including a penalty stop—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Francesco Rossi
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Francesco Rossi has accepted a veteran rotational role following Carnesecchi’s emergence, providing Italian experience, dressing room leadership, and cup competition cover across a decade at the club. The 34-year-old’s shot-stopping (72% save percentage in limited appearances) and distribution (86% pass completion) provide functional cover. Rossi started 10 matches in 2025/26 (cup competitions and Carnesecchi’s rest), keeping 4 clean sheets. Rossi’s contract expires in 2027.
3. Paolo Vismara
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Paolo Vismara has served as emergency third-choice option following development with Atalanta’s youth setup. The 22-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
Defenders
1. Berat Djimsiti (Captain)
Nationality: Albanian
Former Clubs: FC Zurich, Empoli (loan)
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2018)
Berat Djimsiti has become Atalanta’s defensive captain and leader, the Albanian international providing versatility, tactical intelligence, and organisational communication across eight seasons at the Gewiss Stadium. The 32-year-old’s reading of the game—intercepting passes (2.4 per 90), cutting angles, covering for advancing wing-backs—provides defensive security. His versatility across centre-back and defensive midfield offers Atalanta tactical flexibility. Djimsiti’s leadership, formalised as club captain following the Europa League triumph, manages Atalanta’s dressing room through calm authority and professional standards. Djimsiti’s contract runs through 2028, with a coaching role likely thereafter. Djimsiti’s performance against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarterfinal—organising the defence, winning 8 duels—demonstrated his enduring quality.
2. Isak Hien
Nationality: Swedish
Former Clubs: AIK, Hellas Verona
Transfer Fee: £7 million (2024)
Isak Hien has become Djimsiti’s long-term partner, the Swedish centre-back providing physicality, aerial dominance, and recovery pace following his arrival from Hellas Verona. The 26-year-old’s aerial duel success (85%) leads Atalanta’s defence, neutralising target forwards and providing set-piece security. His recovery pace (35.4 km/h) enables Atalanta’s famously high defensive line. Hien’s tackling (2.8 per 90) and blocks (1.3 per 90) provide defensive security. Hien’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Sead Kolašinac
Nationality: Bosnian
Former Clubs: Schalke 04, Arsenal, Marseille
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Sead Kolašinac has accepted a veteran rotational role following his free transfer from Marseille, providing Bosnian physicality, left-footed balance, and defensive depth. The 32-year-old’s aerial duel success (83%) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide functional cover. Kolašinac’s contract runs through 2027.
4. Raoul Bellanova
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Milan, Bordeaux (loan), Cagliari (loan), Inter Milan, Torino
Transfer Fee: £15 million (2024)
Raoul Bellanova has become Atalanta’s first-choice right wing-back, the Italian international providing explosive pace, crossing, and defensive improvement following his arrival from Torino. The 25-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.3 per 90) and crossing (39% accuracy) created 7 assists in 2025/26. His defensive recovery pace (35.7 km/h) and tackling (2.6 per 90) provide balance. Bellanova’s contract runs through 2029.
5. Matteo Ruggeri
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Matteo Ruggeri has become Atalanta’s first-choice left wing-back, the Italian youth international providing energy, crossing, and defensive diligence following his graduation from the club’s academy. The 23-year-old’s overlapping runs (4.0 per 90) and crossing (38% accuracy) created 6 assists in 2025/26. His defensive positioning (1.9 interceptions per 90) and tackling (2.5 per 90) provide balance. Ruggeri’s contract runs through 2029, with Atalanta rejecting January 2026 approaches.
6. Giorgio Scalvini
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Atalanta academy
Transfer Fee: Academy graduate
Giorgio Scalvini has fully recovered from his ACL rupture (2023/24) to reclaim his place as one of Italy’s most promising centre-backs, the 22-year-old providing passing range, composure, and versatility. Scalvini’s right-footed passing (5.1 progressive passes per 90, 90% completion) initiates attacks from deep. His reading of the game (2.3 interceptions per 90) and aerial duel success (82%) provide defensive security. Scalvini’s versatility across centre-back and defensive midfield offers Atalanta tactical options. Scalvini’s contract runs through 2030, with Atalanta rejecting January 2026 approaches.
7. Odilon Kossounou
Nationality: Ivorian
Former Clubs: Club Brugge, Bayer Leverkusen
Transfer Fee: Loan from Bayer Leverkusen (2025)
Odilon Kossounou’s season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen added Ivorian physicality, recovery pace, and centre-back depth to Atalanta’s squad. The 24-year-old’s aerial duel success (84%) and tackling (2.7 per 90) provide functional cover. Kossounou’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
8. Rafael Tolói
Nationality: Italian (Brazilian-born)
Former Clubs: São Paulo, Goiás (loan)
Transfer Fee: £3 million (2015)
Rafael Tolói, now 35, has accepted a reduced veteran rotational role following his long service, providing Brazilian-Italian experience, leadership, and defensive depth. Tolói’s contract expires in 2027.
Midfielders
1. Éderson (Vice-Captain)
Nationality: Brazilian
Former Clubs: Corinthians, Salernitana (loan)
Transfer Fee: £18 million (2022)
Éderson has become one of Serie A’s most complete midfielders, the Brazilian providing physicality, ball-carrying, and goal threat that has attracted persistent interest from Premier League clubs. The 26-year-old’s ball-carrying (4.8 progressive carries per 90) through central areas bypasses opposition presses. His tackling (3.3 per 90) and interceptions (2.5 per 90) lead Atalanta’s midfield. Éderson’s finishing (7 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (6 assists) provide balanced output. His partnership with Marten de Roon provides midfield balance (Éderson’s dynamism, de Roon’s discipline). Éderson’s contract runs through 2029, with Atalanta rejecting January 2026 approaches from Liverpool and Manchester United. Éderson’s performance against AC Milan in 2025—dominating midfield, scoring a stunning 25-yard strike—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Marten de Roon
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: Heerenveen, Atalanta, Middlesbrough
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2017)
Marten de Roon has become Atalanta’s midfield anchor and longest-serving current midfielder, the Dutch international providing tactical discipline, tackling, and leadership across nine seasons at the club. The 34-year-old’s tackling (3.1 per 90) and interceptions (2.4 per 90) provide midfield security. His work rate (11.7 kilometres per match) and pressing intensity (11.4 pressures per 90) set Atalanta’s standards. de Roon’s passing (88% completion) remains secure. de Roon’s contract expires in 2027, with a coaching role likely thereafter.
3. Mario Pašalić
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Chelsea, Elche (loan), Milan, Spartak Moscow (loan)
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2018)
Mario Pašalić has become Atalanta’s goal-scoring midfielder, the Croatian international providing late arrivals into the box, finishing, and tactical intelligence across eight seasons at the club. The 30-year-old’s finishing (10 goals in 2025/26) and creativity (5 assists) provide elite production from midfield. Pašalić’s movement off the ball—arriving late, finding pockets of space—makes him uniquely difficult to mark. Pašalić’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Teun Koopmeiners
Nationality: Dutch (covered in Juventus; departed Atalanta 2024)
5. Lazar Samardžić
Nationality: Serbian
Former Clubs: RB Leipzig, Udinese
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2024)
Lazar Samardžić has emerged as a creative midfield option following his arrival from Udinese, the Serbian international providing dribbling, passing, and goal threat from attacking midfield. The 23-year-old’s dribbling (3.6 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (6 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Samardžić’s contract runs through 2029.
6. Michel Adopo
Nationality: French
Former Clubs: Torino
Transfer Fee: £4 million (2024)
Michel Adopo has provided midfield depth following his arrival from Torino, offering French physicality and energy. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2028.
7. Marco Brescianini
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Milan, Frosinone (loan)
Transfer Fee: £10 million (2025)
Marco Brescianini’s summer 2025 arrival from Milan added Italian midfield depth and technical quality to Atalanta’s squad. The 25-year-old’s contract runs through 2029.
Forwards
1. Ademola Lookman
Nationality: Nigerian
Former Clubs: Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham (loan), Leicester City (loan)
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2022)
Ademola Lookman has become one of European football’s most devastating forwards, the Nigerian international providing finishing, dribbling, and creativity that powered Atalanta’s Europa League triumph (2024, hat-trick in final). The 28-year-old’s finishing (18 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (27%) provide elite scoring threat. His dribbling (4.2 successful take-ons per 90) and close control terrorise defenders from the left flank. Lookman’s creativity (10 assists) and link-up play make him Atalanta’s primary attacking catalyst. Lookman’s contract runs through 2029, with Atalanta rejecting January 2026 approaches from Paris Saint-Germain. Lookman’s performance against Real Madrid in the Super Cup—scoring a stunning brace—demonstrated his elite quality.
2. Mateo Retegui
Nationality: Italian (Argentine-born)
Former Clubs: Tigre (loan), Boca Juniors, Genoa
Transfer Fee: £22 million (2024)
Mateo Retegui has become Atalanta’s first-choice striker, the Italian international providing physicality, finishing, and hold-up play following his arrival from Genoa. The 26-year-old’s finishing (16 goals in 2025/26) and conversion rate (25%) provide consistent scoring threat. His hold-up play (73% success receiving back to goal) and aerial duel success (80%) occupy defenders, creating space for Lookman and De Ketelaere. Retegui’s work rate pressing centre-backs (10.6 pressures per 90) sets Atalanta’s defensive tone from the front. Retegui’s contract runs through 2029.
3. Charles De Ketelaere
Nationality: Belgian
Former Clubs: Club Brugge, AC Milan
Transfer Fee: £20 million (2024, following loan)
Charles De Ketelaere has been revitalised at Atalanta following his disappointing Milan spell, the Belgian international providing creativity, finishing, and versatility across the frontline. The 24-year-old’s creativity (12 assists in 2025/26) and finishing (8 goals) provide elite production from attacking midfield and false nine positions. De Ketelaere’s dribbling (3.4 successful take-ons per 90) and link-up play unlock packed defences. De Ketelaere’s relationship with Belgian teammates provides comfort. De Ketelaere’s contract runs through 2029.
4. Juan Musso (goalkeeper, not forward – moved)
5. Nicolò Zaniolo
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Inter Milan, Roma, Galatasaray, Aston Villa (loan)
Transfer Fee: Loan from Galatasaray (2025)
Nicolò Zaniolo’s season-long loan from Galatasaray added Italian dribbling, physicality, and attacking midfield depth to Atalanta’s squad. The 26-year-old’s dribbling (3.5 successful take-ons per 90) and finishing (5 goals in 2025/26) provide functional depth. Zaniolo’s loan expires at the end of the 2025/26 season.
6. El Bilal Touré
Nationality: Malian
Former Clubs: Almería
Transfer Fee: £25 million (2023)
El Bilal Touré has provided striking depth following his arrival from Almería, offering Malian physicality, pace, and aerial presence. The 24-year-old’s finishing (4 goals in 2025/26 in limited minutes) and hold-up play provide functional depth. Touré’s contract runs through 2029.
7. Aleksei Miranchuk
Nationality: Russian
Former Clubs: Lokomotiv Moscow, Torino (loan)
Transfer Fee: £12 million (2020)
Aleksei Miranchuk has provided emergency attacking midfield depth following his long service. The 30-year-old’s contract expires in 2027.
Conclusion
Atalanta’s 2025/26 squad represents the most talented and tactically coherent group assembled since Gasperini’s transformative reign began in 2016, a testament to the club’s recruitment intelligence (Lookman, De Ketelaere, Ederson), academy production (Scalvini, Ruggeri, Carnesecchi), and the enduring Gasperini principles embedded in the squad’s DNA. The defence, anchored by Berat Djimsiti’s Albanian leadership and Isak Hien’s Swedish physicality, provides platform for Atalanta’s famously high-pressing, man-marking system. The midfield, dominated by Éderson’s Brazilian dynamism and Marten de Roon’s Dutch discipline, controls matches through pressing, physicality, and technical quality. The attack, headlined by Ademola Lookman’s Nigerian brilliance and Mateo Retegui’s Italian finishing, carries genuine goal threat against any opponent. Crucially, Atalanta has balanced immediate competitiveness with financial sustainability; Ederson, Scalvini, Hien, and De Ketelaere represent significant resale value while contributing immediately. The looming challenge involves maintaining Champions League qualification without Gasperini’s tactical genius—and proving that the club’s system transcends any single manager. Yet the Gewiss Stadium’s intimate, passionate atmosphere, amplified by supporters who remember the dark days of Serie B and the thrilling rise under Gasperini, provides emotional fuel. Atalanta no longer surprises opponents; they are feared, respected, and studied. This squad appears equipped to deliver another European qualification campaign, continuing the Bergamaschi’s remarkable transformation into Serie A’s fourth force. Dea per sempre. Forza Atalanta.
