Why Atalanta not Bergamo FC

A lot of people, who are interested in Italian soccer ask me why Atalanta is the football Club of Bergamo and not FC Bergamo. It's a good question considering that there are not 2 major clubs in the city unlike Milan, Rome or Genova.

Actually the original "big club" in Bergamo was Bergamo FC formed by wealthy Swiss imigrants in 1904. Atalanta taking it's name from a the female athlete of Greek mythology, were rivals from another part of the city. Although formed in 1907 (As you will see from the graffiti sprayed all over the city and surroundings) They did not enter the league until 1914 and ggot into Serie A for the first time in 1937, then got relegated immediately, this is quite a habit.

The only silverware the club has won is Coppa Italia in 1963 and the hall of fame of the past and present players is pretty sparse.

However the fans are fanatical, the Curva Nord is the home to the Ultras, the stadium has definitely seen better days. However a trip to an Atalanta match if you want to feel the heat of a game in Serie A is recommended. For those who remember English soccer in the late 70s and 80s will find the atmosphere and state of the stadium very similar.

One anecdote. I took an Italian friend from Bergamo to see the side I support Portsmouth FC playing a premiership game at home. As we were walking to the stadium he saw the luxury coach of the opposition parked quietly in the genral car park no guards. He was stunned, he said why haven't you destroyed it. I said "Luca this is English Soccer 2008 we don't do that anymore" (Except at Millwall!!)