This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
On June 20, 2020, Bergamo, Italy, was a city in mourning. The COVID-19 pandemic had ravaged the town, claiming over 670 lives and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
However, as the city slowly begins to return to normalcy, the Atalanta football team is set to resume their season, bringing hope and joy to the people of Bergamo.
"These have been extremely difficult months," said Mayor Giorgio Gori, remembering the dozens of coffins lined up for burial and the macabre images of the military convoys that carried them.
The province suffered 6,000 more deaths than usual during the outbreak, with almost everyone in Bergamo losing a relative, friend, colleague, or neighbor.
It is now known that the Champions League match between Atalanta and Valencia on February 19 played a significant role in spreading the deadly virus.
On Sunday, Atalanta will take on Sassuolo in their first post-virus Italian Serie A match, to be held without fans present, but with the team resuming what was far and away their best season ever.
"This match represents a small return to normality," said Atalanta supporter Andrea Sigorini, 36.
Atalanta's captain, Alejandro "Papu" Gomez, has also called for football to resume, despite the opposition of some hardcore "Ultra" fans.
"Bergamo lives for football, breathes football. But Bergamo won't forget," Gomez said.
