Athletic loses in Bergamo and closes pre-season without shine

Athletic closed their pre-season in Bergamo with a defeat against Atalanta in the Trofeo Bortolotti. According to MARCA, Terzic's team failed to find their best form in a match where the Italians scored early in the second half through a goal from Zalewski from the edge of the box that caught Simón off guard.

The lions arrive at their league debut next August 22 against Sevilla at San Mamés without the sensations they hoped for after the summer break. While Athletic had good moments in the first half, particularly with a high shot from Maroan after excellent control, they were unable to translate that into real danger against their opponent's goal. After the 1-0, the Bilbao side dropped significantly and fell well short of the good performances they intended to show.

Squad confirmations

Alongside the match, the club confirmed that Gerenabarrena and Rincón will be among the 25 selected for the first team. Peio Canales also joins the project after a great season at Racing, though as a sub23 player will wear a Bilbao Athletic shirt.

The ending was marred by major controversy: in the 92nd minute, the Italian referee failed to call a clear penalty on Johaneko that would have given Athletic a last chance to equalize. An officiating decision that soured the end of summer for the lions even more.