The 2004-05 campaign was a season of agonizing struggle for Atalanta as La Dea finished 20th in Serie A, resulting in direct relegation back to Serie B. Despite the mid-season arrival of manager Delio Rossi and the emergence of young talent Riccardo Montolivo, the team could not overcome a poor start, ultimately succumbing to a crucial 1-0 defeat to Roma in the penultimate round. Leading the charge for goals was the dynamic Stephen Makinwa, whose 6 crucial league goals anchored a side that fought bravely until the bitter end, marking a difficult but important chapter for the Bergamaschi.