The arrival of Atalanta’s annual festive football shirt has become an Italian Christmas tradition akin to panettone and Dominick the Donkey.
OK, maybe not so much the last one, but since 2010, Atalanta have played their last game before Christmas in a special, one-off ho, ho, home shirt in festive colours.
The occasion usually sparks a celebratory atmosphere and offers players the chance to thank Nerazzurri fans for their support over the past year.
Of course 2020 has been completely different, with their home city of Bergamo particularly harshly treated by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Whilst fans have had to stay away, they have been buoyed by the form of their heroes, who reached the last 8 of the Champions League and scored goals for fun in Serie A during 2020.
On Sunday, Atalanta recorded a thumping 4-1 victory over Roma in this season’s silvery bauble of a shirt from Joma.
This year’s top, the 11th in their Christmas series, was paired with La Dea’s regular issue black shorts and socks in a more understated uniform than the “Karneval” kits sported by German clubs to toast local traditions and festivals.
At first glance, you may even be forgiven for asking Do They Know It’s Christmas, but when you look closer, the club’s badge is sitting within a pretty good looking tree.
As has become the custom, the club will sign and auction the shirts from Sunday’s win, with all proceeds going to local charities.
So there you go, the thought was most definitely there!
Sartorial Soccer 