Football is made of stories, of moments that defy all logic and are indelibly etched into collective memory. For us Atalanta fans, one such legend is undoubtedly the incredible European adventure of the 1987-88 season, when our Nerazzurri colors, despite navigating the tumultuous waters of Serie B, came within a whisker of the Cup Winners' Cup final. An achievement that still resonates today as a pulse of pride in the heart of every Bergamasco.

It was a sporting paradox. Atalanta had qualified for this prestigious competition thanks to reaching the 1987 Coppa Italia final, which they lost to a stellar Napoli side. As Napoli had also won the Scudetto, this freed up the Cup Winners' Cup spot for the losing finalists. And so, while in the league we were battling to climb back out of the cadetteria, in Europe we were facing top-tier teams. An unusual stage, where the Dea, our small provincial club, found itself dancing among giants.

Led first by the astute hand of Nedo Sonetti and then by Emiliano Mondonico, that squad was a blend of experience and youth, animated by fierce determination. Every Wednesday of the Cup, the atmosphere in Bergamo was transformed. Our Stadio, the old Comunale, vibrated with an electric energy, as if to push our lads beyond every obstacle. The clashes against Merthyr Tydfil, OFI Crete saw Atalanta triumph, not without effort, but always with that typical "muralgia" (grit) that distinguishes us. It was the triumph of sacrifice, of running, of never giving up.

Then came the quarter-final against Sporting CP, a giant of Portuguese football. These were intense matches, of an old-school football, where every ball was a battle. The Nerazzurri delivered heroic performances, spurred on by a delirious crowd, managing to overcome the hurdle and access an unexpected semi-final. Suddenly, Atalanta was no longer just the Serie B team, but the revelation of Europe, the "Cinderella" that made an entire continent dream.

The final act of that dream was against KV Mechelen, a compact and top-level Belgian side, who would eventually go on to win that edition. Despite the extraordinary determination and the incessant support of our people, the adventure concluded in the semi-finals. The disappointment was palpable, of course, but it was immediately replaced by an unprecedented wave of pride. Our lads, our Dea, had shown the world that passion and "muralgia" could truly move mountains, even starting from the cadetteria.

That season was not just a series of matches; it was a celebration of the Atalanta spirit, a moment when all of Bergamo rallied around its team, demonstrating that dreams, even the most audacious ones, can become reality. The epic of the 1988 Cup Winners' Cup remains a beacon of hope and an eternal source of inspiration, reminding us that our Dea is capable of feats that transcend divisions and expectations. An old-school football, but a spirit that lives on today.