One Year Since Dublin, Chapter 3: The Nerazzurri Celebration!
From the turf of the Aviva to the open-top tour through Bergamo
To complete the tale of Atalanta’s triumph in Dublin, ideally framed as the “Europa League Trilogy”, we now arrive at the final chapter: after covering the lead-up with our “first release” dedicated to MD-1, and following it with the Opera Prima focused on the historic final at the Aviva Stadium, it is time to close the circle, and the triptych, with the section dedicated to the celebrations.
In recounting what took place in the “post-Dublin” aftermath, there is no better place to start than where we last left off: that green rectangle south of the Liffey. Blossoming at pitchside and continuing in the dressing rooms, the celebrations carried on through the night in a crescendo of euphoria, giving shape to the first 24 hours of what would soon become a full week of festivities, culminating in the glorious apotheosis of the open-top bus parade through the heart of the city.
But before diving straight into the heart of the story, it's essential to take a step back through the film of the match. Three days that have now become “living history” for Atalanta, condensed into an auteur short film: thirty minutes to tell the perfect ending, the peak of Atalanta's journey in the UEFA Europa League 2023/24.
The Orobic wave sweeping through the streets of the Irish capital, the pre-match buzz in the fan zone, the bus rolling in, the team’s arrival, the stands slowly filling with black-and-blue, the warm-up… and finally: “Lights, Camera, Action.”
The goals, experienced from unique perspectives, with hearts pounding on the touchline. The celebrations, the faces, the tension melting into joy. And then: the party. Medals around their necks, the cup lifted to the sky, confetti dancing in the air, the "pasillo de honor" under the curva to celebrate, together, in collective ecstasy. From the field, the celebrations move to the locker room: players, staff, directors, the whole Atalanta family united in a festive embrace for having made history.
And then, the "day after": the return to Bergamo, the triumphant arrival at Milan Bergamo Airport, the prelude to a celebration that, in just a few days, would embrace the entire city.
Atalanta make history! A film of the match to watch and review, to relive all the emotions of the most beautiful night in the Nerazzurri history!
On the morning of 23 May 2024, the newly crowned UEFA Europa League champions touched down at Orio al Serio Airport. Toloi, De Roon and Djimsiti - the three captains of this journey - held the cup aloft. Behind them, the entire squad paraded victoriously, accompanied by the management and the staff.
The Nerazzurri are finally in Bergamo and can be greeted by the black-and-blue tide.
It wasn't just the Milan Bergamo Airport that was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the Nerazzurri fans; the same was true of the entrance to the Centro Sportivo Bortolotti in Zingonia.
And nine days later, on Friday 31 May 2024, the Nerazzurri faithful gathered in the heart of Bergamo to give the most heartfelt tribute to the UEFA Europa League trophy, which had finally made its way to the Orobic capital!
With the clock striking 20:30 CEST, the open-top bus began its journey from Largo Colle Aperto in Città Alta, winding its way through the most iconic spots in Bergamo on a symbolic route. The trophy was not only introduced to its temporary home for the year but, most importantly, to the people it was destined for.
And so, descending along Viale delle Mura, the procession kicked off a grand celebration, passing through the Propylaea of Porta Nuova, travelling down Viale Giulio Cesare, until reaching the Gewiss Stadium: the final stop and natural destination of this triumphant tour.
Surrounded by the warmth and excitement of the Nerazzurri sea of fans, the black-and-blue Dubliners were greeted with a true "hero's welcome" amid chants, flags, lights, and choreography. Embraced by the passion and rhythm of an entire city, the trophy found its rightful home, not just in a stadium, but in the heart of the people. In that collective embrace, the official entry of the UEFA Europa League into the Atalanta family was sealed.
As daylight faded and smoke bombs and choreographies lit up the night, for one unforgettable evening, Bergamo was the Gewiss Stadium, and the Gewiss Stadium was Bergamo. A powerful symbol of the unbreakable bond and visceral connection between Atalanta and its city.
The UEL Bus Parade in Bergamo!
After reliving those moments frame by frame, here’s the best of the celebrations in Bergamo: full of laughter, chants, camaraderie, mischief, and carefree joy, the UEFA Europa League trophy quickly became the heart and soul of the party!