Road to Dublin 2024... One Year Later!

May 21st, MD-1... But not your average eve! Step by step, let's rehash every moment of the build-up of Atalanta vs. Bayer Leverkusen, with our stroll through memory lane: from butterflies in the stomach to "pel de poia" moments, are you ready to go through it all and back to our "night before the exam", one year on?

First chapter of our MD-1 story? The departure for Dublin, of course! "Passports in hand", a phrase coach Gasperini said at the start of the season and which, one group stage and three knockout rounds later, would end up becoming the mantra and hallmark of Atalanta’s unforgettable 2023/24 journey, the Nerazzurri boarded their flight from Bergamo, bound for the Emerald Isle!
Relive Atalanta’s journey with our photo gallery!

After crossing the Channel and landing in the Irish capital, the Nerazzurri treaded the Aviva Stadium pitch for the most anticipated ritual of the eve: the official walkaround and wrap-up session! A true dress rehearsal, captured in our exclusive photo album...

And next up is the video story of the final tune-up: because the shirt must always "be soaked in sweat", all the more so before a final!

After testing the pitch, it was time for the pre-match protagonists to take the spotlight in the traditional round of one-to-one interviews. Kicking things off in front of the Club's microphones were Atalanta’s two “towers” at the back: Hien and Djimisiti. From their words during this tête-à-tête, two key themes clearly emerged: the confidence in their own abilities and the strength of the path that brought Atalanta to Dublin, a journey marked by statement wins over Sporting CP, Liverpool, and Olympique Marseille, earning their place in the final on merit. Also clear was the respect for their final opponent: a Bayer Leverkusen side arriving at the showdown with a remarkable 51-match unbeaten run.

Second up, though only in order of appearance, came the duo of Marten de Roon, sidelined for the final due to injury, and Ademola Lookman, who just 24 hours later would fullfill his "appointment with history" and rise to the occasion to write his name into the history books as the undisputed hero of the night. In de Roon’s words, you could feel the anticipation and excitement for a milestone that would serve as a well-earned reward for both the Club and the city of Bergamo. Lookman, on the other hand, spoke with quiet confidence and a clear ambition to step onto the pitch and play “the Atalanta way". That very same ambition and determination would have turned into a performance for the ages.

The final speech was delivered by coach Gian Piero Gasperini. When asked about what could rightly be called the most fascinating, most meaningful, and yet “easiest” match to prepare for in the entire season, the 54th chapter of a heart-stopping calendar, the Grugliasco-born coach highlighted how the Dublin final was both the pinnacle and the essence of Atalanta's European journey: a formidable challenge, against a top-notch opponent, framed by an exceptional setting; ticking all the boxes of what a Europa League final is meant to be. Before departing for the press conference, he also took a moment to send a special thought to the fans, the off-field unsung heroes and trump card of this journey, whose unwavering support and sacrifices played a crucial role.

The final stop was the Mansion House: serving as the stunning backdrop for the pre-match gala, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin was dressed to the nines for the Celebration Party, the zenith of football etiquette. The symposium brought together executives, representatives from both finalist clubs, UEFA officials, local authorities, and key institutional guests and partners.

And thus, what's every night before made for?

For cramming, of course; but not just any run-of-the-mill cram. The kind that gets your blood pumping and makes you think: "That's it, it's showtime!"

So, as we wind up our recap on the build-up to the Dublin final, here comes the ultimate rewind of our UEFA Europa League journey: every goal, from the first spark to the final roar!