All set in Clusone to welcome Atalanta’s pre-season training camp: as scheduled, preparations will forge ahead at the “Città di Clusone” Sporting Venue, in Upper Seriana Valley, where training and three friendly fixtures are both to take place from July 14 until July 22. During the opening press conference held this morning in the Sala Legrenzi of the Palazzo Marinoni Barca, Massimo Morstabilini, Clusone’s first citizen, wished to tender the official welcome to the black-and-blue Club releasing the following statements:

“We’re most humbled and proud for hosting Atalanta’s summer training camp here, in our home town. I also wish to express my gratitude for the chance Atalanta has once again given to us; foremost given the huge amount of satisfaction that stems from linking Atalanta and their brand to the town of Clusone. I also wish to sing the praises of the people of Clusone for their working attitude and the teamwork they have silently yet preciously provided since day one. As such, I would like to thank: Davide Calegari, our Councilor for Sports, engineer Marco Bergamini, our Senior Officer for Sports and Heritage; Sergio Sforza, president of the ASD Città di Clusone football club and appointed Chief Operating Officer for all sports-related logistics, and all the many and countless people and volunteers who have put themselves out to ensure the flawless running of this year’s training camp”.

On behalf of the Club, Umberto Marino, Director General at Atalanta B.C., tendered the institutional acknowledgement for the warm and impeccable welcome shown by the city of Clusone to the Black-and-blues season after season: “Being this our third year here in Clusone, coming back here always gives that extra special feeling and confidence that makes the preseason idling and its preparatory activities set off with the right tone, also thanks to the dedication shown by our fans: taking into account the bonds that link Atalanta to their local background, these valleys undoubtedly hold a strong resonance and will set the right scenery to start the upcoming season on the right foot. The venue and all the accommodation provided by the city of Clusone and by ASD Città di Clusone are simply top-notch: a true testament to their commitment and hard work. These eight hectic days will be pivoted on the local territory and will revolve around football, around sports and around Atalanta. As for the previous seasons, training sessions will be held in the afternoons and will be open to the public (any changes to the schedule will be nonetheless notified on the official website, Edn). We will also endorse activities for children and youngsters: given Atalanta’s support, this is but a mandatory step for us”.

As explained by Mayor Morstabilini, the city of Clusone will once again implement many side activities to boost overall engagement during the summer retreat of the Black-and-blues: “The first initiative was devised by our shopkeepers as a homage: the whole city centre will be embellished by sunshades donning the black-and-blue colours. Additionally, many side activities have been pencilled in to fill the eight-day schedule: starting off tonight with the Festival della Montagna and followed by the closing party of the Summer Recreational Centre, arranged by our parish youth club and to be blessed with the presence of the black-and-blue first team. Consequently, I wish to thank Atalanta once again for their commitment and their closeness to needs of our community. For the full schedule, feel free to check the Visitclusone website“.

As part of the much-anticipated schedule, the  “Città di Clusone” Sporting Venue will host Atalanta’s three friendly fixtures: namely, on Sunday the 16th of July at 17:00 CEST against Rappresentativa Città di Clusone; on Thursday, the 20th of July at 17:00 CEST, against Rappresentativa Val Seriana and on Saturday the 22nd of July against  FC Locarno (match once again to kick off at 17:00 CEST). Again this year, all ticketing logistics have been awarded to ASD Città di Clusone: in addition to the nominal entering fee of 5 euros and free entrance for all children (with all proceeds to be given to the local football club), children from local sporting teams will be accompanying the players in the walk-ons.

Additionally and limited to the duration of the summer retreat the Clusone sporting venue will be hosting an Atalanta pop-up Store: during the course of four meet-and-greets, players will be available to a limited number of fans (mainly due to logistics)  for photos and autographs.