by Alessandro Giovanni Pagliarini
On Friday 28 June, Lega Pro announced the official composition of the three groups of Serie C Now for the 2024/2025 season. Atalanta U23 will take part in Group A together with AlbinoLeffe, Alcione Milano, Arzignano Valchiampo, Caldiero Terme, Feralpisalò, Giana Erminio, LR Vicenza, Lecco, Lumezzane, Novara, Padova, Pergolettese, Pro Patria, Pro Vercelli, Renate, Trento, Triestina, Union Clodense and Virtus Verona.
The result of the draw caused some surprises, mainly for one reason. In the Lega Pro regulations it is specified that, in the event that there are three second teams in the workforce (as in this case), «the same will be inserted into each of the three distinct groups by drawing lots, in compliance with the principle of alternation: and therefore, for a club that in the previous sporting season was included in a specific group, the draw will take place for inclusion in one of the other two groups”.
Therefore, Atalanta Under 23 should not have participated again in Group A, where they played last season. The so-called principle of alternation, however, will come into force from next season: since the 2024/25 season is the first ever with three second teams divided into the three groups, it will act as “year zero”.
For this year, therefore, the Bergamo players can remain in Group A, but will necessarily have to change grouping in the following season. The same goes for Milan Futuro, who were drawn in Group B, and for Juventus Next Gen, now in Group C.
