
Key strength: Link-up play
Target man
Atalanta's campaign has taken an unexpected stumble—the Bergamaschi languish in 10th place, winless in five matches with form reading DLWDL. Yet in this turbulence, Roberto Piccoli has emerged as Gian Piero Gasperini's steadiest hand. The 25-year-old Italian striker, valued at €14 million, has delivered 8 goals and 2 assists across 36 appearances—nearly 2,000 minutes of relentless service. What distinguishes Piccoli isn't merely his output, but his composure: zero cards, not a single disciplinary blemish. While higher-rated forwards Scamacca and Krstović struggle for consistency, Piccoli operates as Gasperini's target man with elite link-up play and ice-cool finishing. Wearing the iconic number 91, this disciplined, intelligent forward—more rotational assassin than marquee name—embodies the 'substance over spectacle' ethos that once made La Dea Europe's overachievers. As Atalanta fight to salvage European qualification, Piccoli may be their most valuable weapon in the battles ahead.