Atalanta's not a typical Serie A powerhouse. They lack the vast pockets and rich histories. That doesnt mean they're not powerful. They've been steadily building something special in Bergamo, and their performances in recent European competitions speak for themselves.
Last season's Europa League: they demolished Liverpool, destroyed Leverkusen. People, that wasnt luck. In their lively and effective approach, Atalanta takes the game to anyone.
Now, the Champions League is different. Competition is stiff in the big leagues. I wouldnt rule out Atalanta. The manager Gasperini can outwit the greatest, and they have his tactical expertise. This team is hungry for success. They want to leave a mark, not just be there.
Gasperini knows what he is doing, which is fine and he is a great manager but I am sure that there is absolutely no way that he will take this team to anywhere good in the UCL, it is just not possible when you look at financial point of view.
The greatest achievement they could ever hope for would be last sixteen, which I do not think that they have what it takes to do but even in that case I am sure that they will end up losing, unless they get a very very lucky draw. They did the best they could hope for, win the Europa league, they are at that level and being the best of the level you are in is the reward in itself, plus they made so much money by just being in the UCL and playing games here, so that's a good thing for the future as well.