Duvan Zapata admits “at the start I wasn’t very convinced” to swap Sampdoria for Atalanta.

The Colombian striker has joined the Orobici on a two-year loan with an option to buy, and scored on his debut yesterday.

“I’m happy to be here in Bergamo,” Zapata told Sky.

“The club has made an important investment and now it’s up to me. This is a good team that has been doing well for two years.

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Alejandro Gomez says Atalanta “is like my home” but warns “I’ve always said I want to play for big clubs…”

The Orobici captain has been linked with Lazio this summer, having helped his side qualify for the Europa League in the past two seasons.

“When you have a good season it’s normal that there will be offers,” Gomez told Sky.

“They’ll be dealt with by the club and my agent, we’ll see what happens because there’s still a long way to go.

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Atalanta fought back to win their friendly 6-1 against Chiasso with Papu Gomez and new signing Duvan Zapata on the scoresheet.

The pre-season test started on the wrong foot when Chiasso scored within 20 seconds.

It was a brief slip-up, as Papu Gomez promptly scored a brace to turn it around, then his corner found Alessandro Mancini.

Hans Hateboer got the fourth after the restart on a Timothy Castagne pull-back, but ex-Sampdoria striker Duvan Zapata made an impressive bow with his goal from close range.

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Stefano Pioli believes Fiorentina “deserve to play in the Europa League for the club’s reliability” as pre-season started with a 17-0 win.

The Viola finished eighth in Serie A and would’ve missed out on Europe, but with Milan excluded due to Financial Fair Play violations, Atalanta are bumped up to the group stage with Lazio.

This means Fiorentina will, if the Rossoneri appeal is rejected, enter from the preliminary rounds.

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SPAL are close to agreeing a deal for Atalanta centre-forward Andrea Petagna, on loan with option to buy for a total €14m.

Petagna is no longer required in Bergamo after they signed Duvan Zapata from Sampdoria.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, the striker has given the all-clear and a medical should be due next week.

It remains to be seen what the formula of the deal will be, as it’s initially a loan for €2m with option to buy for another €12m at the end of the season.

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As expected, Inter have officially recalled defender Alessandro Bastoni early from his loan with Atalanta.

The 19-year-old grew up in the Atalanta youth academy and was purchased by Inter for €8m plus bonuses in August 2017.

He was meant to remain on a two-year loan in Bergamo.

However, today the deal was formally cut short, so Bastoni will become part of the Inter squad.

It remains to be seen if he’ll stay at San Siro or be loaned elsewhere.

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Atalanta are reported to be in negotiations with RSC Anderlecht for Belgium international Leander Dendoncker.

The 23-year-old had already been linked with a Serie A move to Sampdoria.

Sky Sport Italia claim talks have started between Atalanta and Anderlecht for the midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back when needed.

Dendoncker is at the World Cup in Russia, but made only one appearance in the victory over England.

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Atalanta have officially confirmed the signing of Sampdoria’s Duvan Zapata, on a two-year loan with option to buy.

The striker scored 11 goals with six assists in 31 Serie A appearances last term, having joined from Napoli after a two-year loan at Udinese.

“Atalanta B.C announces the signing of the player Duvan Zapata on a two-year loan with option to buy,” a statement on the Blucerchiati’s website reads.

It’s expected that the two-year loan will cost €14m, with the option to buy set at €12m.

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