If any further proof were needed of the affinity between fans of Eintracht and Atalanta, it was visible to all Frankfurt eyes in March 2020. With a banner bearing the message "Bergamo mola mia", supporters of the Eagles showed solidarity with the people of Bergamo, who were particularly hard hit during the first wave of COVID-19, while also supporting a fundraising campaign. “Don’t give up Bergamo” was a slogan that put football in the background and mutual affection in the foreground, showing that Atalanta and Eintracht may be divided in colours but they’re united in passion.
Whether black and blue or red, black and white, the mutual sympathies have been solidified for more than two decades and have never diminished. Friendships have developed between the two groups that are not only of a sporting nature but also personal.
Friday’s friendly can be seen as the ultimate mix of the two levels: footballing and human. For a long time, everyone has wanted to move this interaction onto the pitch for 90 minutes. In the 115th anniversary year of Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, which was founded on 17 October 1907, the meeting serves as a kind of early Christmas present from the two historic clubs to their supporters.
