The 2000-01 campaign delivered a triumphant return to the top flight for Atalanta as La Dea, under the shrewd guidance of coach Giovanni Vavassori, immediately established themselves on the top half of the table with an impressive 7th-place finish in Serie A. Leading the charge was the prolific striker Nicola Ventola, whose 10 goals proved decisive in a campaign built on the breakthrough of attacking talent Cristiano Doni and the defensive leadership of veteran Massimo Carrera. It was a vital year that marked Atalanta's solid re-establishment in the elite and remains a defining chapter of the club's resilience.