Coffee, Climbing and Beers by the Stadium: Matchday Guide to Bergamo

Bergamo is braced for an invasion of Northern Ireland fans ahead of the World Cup play-off against Italy.

With Ryanair putting on 1500 extra seats between Belfast and Milan Bergamo, and Milan’s other two airports – Malpensa and Linate – within easy reach, this normally blue-and-black pocket of Lombardy will have a green-and-white feel.

The New Balance Arena is home to Atalanta but Italy are stopping here on their travels around the country. With a place in the World Cup up for grabs, expect a fantastic matchday.

Here’s our guide.

Start the day with… coffee and a climb

Tassino sits on Largo Nicolò Rezzara, by a little square in the low town. This place is full of life on a weekend, old and young, families and people cycling or walking through the city. You will find it quieter through the week but still a lovely spot.

Go and see… Citta Alta

Climb or take the funicular to Citta Alta – the upper town. The walk will give you a bit of burn in the legs but it is an experience and the views are amazing. By the time you’re done you will have worked up an appetite for lunch.

Grab food at… Il Fornaio

Located on Via Bartolomeo Colleoni this place is cheap and cheerful with many pizza and focaccia options. Take a ticket at the door and wait for your number to be called or shown on the screen. It’s right next to Piazza Vecchia which is perfect for people watching without being too crowded, and without the overpriced drinks you might expect in the Rome or Milan equivalent.

Get the pre-match buzz… near the stadium

The walk to the ground takes around 25 minutes from Citta Alta and is a picturesque stroll through the city. Once there, Villa Sport Cafe is just across the road and this is where the Atalanta ultras stop for a drink when they’re playing at home. It’s tiny inside but spills out onto the street where you can see the stands of the New Balance Arena. If you do get inside the bar, expect to see football on the TV.

Il Baretto is more of a kiosk than a bar, typically Italian and sitting at another corner of the stadium. Perfect for quick pre-match pint.

Celebrate victory at… Morla Bistro

This bar is on the city side of the stadium about five minutes from the ground and has less of a football vibe than the two above, but there are little nods to Atalanta – a flag hanging on one window and if you look closely enough you’ll see the odd sticker here and there. There’s a gazebo and grill going outside with €5 salamela sandwiches. Buy inside at the bar and then give your ticket to the grill master. And it’s open long enough to grab that last beer or two after a late kick-off.