As August rolls around, many fans from Bergamo typically set their sights on the coast, but this year, a significant number are heading in a different direction: Poland. Around 6,000 Atalanta supporters have secured tickets for the UEFA Super Cup showdown against Real Madrid, scheduled for Wednesday night in Warsaw. This match represents a historic moment for the club and its fans.
While past European excursions have attracted larger crowds, such as the 8,000 who traveled to Dublin, this time around, the number is slightly lower. Various factors contribute to this, including the financial burdens accrued over a busy European season that included games at Anfield, two visits to Lisbon, and the final in Ireland. Additionally, hosting a final right before mid-August likely impacted attendance figures.
This journey marks the second-largest international trek for Atalanta supporters, trailing only the Europa League final. Back in 2018, about 4,000 fans made the trip to Dortmund. The experience gained from traveling throughout Europe has turned Atalanta’s followers into experts at finding budget-friendly connections rather than opting for direct flights, which skyrocketed in price to over 500 euros for a round trip before dropping after the ticket sales concluded.
European cities have become increasingly popular stopovers, and this situation is no different, with multiple airports serving the Warsaw area — Chopin and Modlin in the city and others nearby. Some fans choosing to fly into Krakow may take the opportunity to explore significant historical sites, like the nearby Auschwitz concentration camp.
For those opting for organized travel, charter flights from Orio airport will operate same-day return trips, but at a hefty price tag of nearly 600 euros. Bus trips, which make a few stops along the way, including a break in Vienna, offer a more economical alternative, covering the 16-hour journey to the Polish capital. There are also those taking the scenic route on a motorcycle, embracing the chance to tour Eastern Europe during August.
For fans remaining in Bergamo, a large screen will be set up in Piazzale Alpini, attracting crowds of up to 3,000 people who want to share the excitement of the match together. It’s clear that no matter the distance, Atalanta’s passionate supporters are ready to make their presence felt on this monumental night.