Losing an important person on the team can indeed change the overall performance of the team, and we saw it in Atalanta. However they conduct their business, they must accept the impact. What is more challenging for them is not just the Serie A matches throughout the season, but they also have to compete in the Champions League, which would certainly be a disadvantage if their performance declines. Many teams are restructuring to face an increasingly tough season, but there will be teams that actually experience a decline in performance.
Yes, Atalanta will definitely struggle to perform well this season. As we know, they have lost their best goal scorer, Retegui. But I don't think that's the main problem, because the real problem Atalanta has is the loss of the coach who made them a great team in Serie A. So, I think that's what's making Atalanta even worse now. Because basically, we can see for ourselves that since Gasperini left Atalanta, their performance has worsened.
The proof is that Atalanta couldn't win against weak teams like newly promoted Pisa. So, with that, it could be a sign that Atalanta is really not doing well this season. I think they need to find a better way out so their performance can improve again. Because basically, everything is already done, so they won't be able to turn back time. Therefore, for now, Atalanta just needs to do their best, whether it's in Serie A or the UCL.