Atalanta BC secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage following a 3-2 victory against Barcelona at the Gewiss Stadium. The Italian side progressed as the sole representative from Serie A in the round of 16 after Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus failed to advance from the league phase. According to Sky Sports, the Bergamo club finished in the top eight of the revised tournament format.
Gian Piero Gasperini led his team to the win with goals from Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman. The result ensures Italy maintains a presence in the premier European competition, per Reuters. Statistics from UEFA show Atalanta won five of their eight league phase fixtures to avoid the play-off round.
Domestic rivals Inter Milan and Juventus were eliminated earlier this week, leaving Atalanta to uphold the national coefficient. The draw for the round of 16 takes place in Nyon on Friday, where the Italian side will be seeded, according to The Guardian.
