The 2016-17 campaign delivered a groundbreaking, historic success for Atalanta as La Dea, led by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, surged to an incredible 4th-place finish in Serie A. This highest-ever league position secured a coveted spot in the UEFA Europa League, ending a 26-year wait for a return to European competition, spearheaded by the sensational captain Papu Gómez, whose career-best 16 league goals proved decisive in a campaign built on the brilliant integration of academy talent.