Atalanta For Special’s jovial weekend in Tirrenia

Called to Tirrenia for the National Finals of the Dipartimento Paralimpico Calcio Sperimentale (DPCS) league, Atalanta For Special had the chance to experience a cheerful weekend of fellowship and football.

Drafted in Group 1, Saturday saw the Nerazzurri play, respectively, Lanciano and Borgo Solestà Ascoli in the Group Stage for a place in the semifinals.

On MD1 Atalanta For Special bested Lanciano 6-3 courtesy of single goals by Mirko Rota, Mateo Virgillito, Ulisse Pezzotti and Francesco Pezzotti's hattrick.

As for MD2, while the Nerazzurri got off to a budding start and closed the first half 3-1 ahead courtesy of Francesco Pezzotti, Mirko Rota and Ulisse Pezzotti's single scorings, Borgo Solestà Ascoli imposed themselves 6-3 in the end. Despite claiming runner-up honours, Atalanta For Special didn't make it to the knockout stage.

Hitting the pitch once again on Sunday for the Fun&Play initiative Atalanta For Special defeated Insuperabili Women 7-2.

The two-day event in Tirrenia culminated with the awarding of all participating teams hosted by the Italian national coach Luciano Spalletti as guest of honour (see pics above and below), who handed a medal and a plaque of recognition to all participants.

"We've had the most amazing experience this weekend, which gave us chances of personal growth and strengthened our ties as a team even further - such were the words of a moved Gianmario Lesmo, Atalanta For Special's Head Coach. We experienced a whole host of emotions, from the bundles of joy and laughter to that hue of bitterness, with ongoing encouragement as a constant: always tight-knight, the group gave its all no matter what all the time. Honoured and Humbled, we bid our farewell to the competition with our heads high and filled with pride for having represented Atalanta's crest at such a prestigious event; namely, the team's first-ever stint in the competition".