Berat Gjimshiti has once again made history, solidifying his place among the most notable Albanian footballers in Italy. The Atalanta captain recently played his 254th Serie A match in a challenging 1-1 draw against Juventus at the iconic Allianz Stadium in Turin. This milestone allowed him to surpass Erion Bogdani, who had 253 appearances, making Gjimshiti the second Albanian with the most Serie A appearances, behind only Elseid Hysaj with 311 matches.
It was not an easy match for Gjimshiti. Juventus started the game with intensity, putting immediate pressure on Atalanta’s defense. “From one side, it’s a pity, but on the other, it’s a fair result,” Gjimshiti commented after the game. “The first 20-30 minutes weren’t good from our side because they started the match very strong. Later, we managed to respond and scored a great goal, which gave us more confidence, and we played much better. We were unlucky with their goal and with the red card, where we struggled and had to defend strongly to avoid conceding a second. Nonetheless, the draw stands.”
Gjimshiti’s leadership on the field was evident throughout the match. As Atalanta’s captain, he not only directs the defensive line but also motivates the team during difficult moments. His experience and consistency have been key for Atalanta, particularly in high-pressure matches against top Serie A clubs.
Atalanta is gradually recovering after a difficult start to the season. Gjimshiti added, “The more matches you play, the more you grow as a team. It wasn’t easy at the beginning, but we deserved a few more points in the matches against Pisa and Parma. Let these games help us improve. The match against PSG is also very valuable. Playing against such strong teams teaches you a lot. We learn to play better and improve. We need to look forward.”
Since joining Atalanta in 2015, Gjimshiti has proven to be one of the team’s most reliable defenders. Over his 254 Serie A appearances, he has scored five goals and provided 11 assists, showcasing not only his defensive skills but also his contribution to offensive play. His presence has been crucial in Atalanta’s rise in Italian football, helping the club achieve consistent performances in Serie A and European competitions.
Berat Gjimshiti’s achievements go beyond club football. As the captain of the Albanian national team, he is a symbol of perseverance and dedication for Albanian football. His record in Italy highlights the growing influence of Albanian players in European leagues and serves as an inspiration for younger talents aspiring to follow in his footsteps.
This milestone also underlines the increasing prominence of Albanian footballers in Serie A. Elseid Hysaj leads the list with 311 appearances, while Gjimshiti now follows closely behind with 254. The duo represents the elite of Albanian football in Italy, and their consistency at the top level demonstrates the quality and resilience of Albanian players abroad.
Gjimshiti’s journey in Serie A is a story of dedication, professionalism, and hard work. From overcoming early challenges to becoming a mainstay in one of Italy’s top teams, his career serves as a model for aspiring footballers. Each match played adds to his legacy and solidifies his reputation as one of Albania’s finest football exports.
As Atalanta continues its campaign in Serie A, fans and analysts alike will watch Gjimshiti’s every move, knowing that every appearance contributes not only to his personal record but also to the history of Albanian football. His recent achievement is a testament to his talent, commitment, and passion for the game.
Berat Gjimshiti’s name is now etched in Serie A history, and his story continues to inspire future generations of Albanian footballers aiming to leave their mark in Europe’s top leagues. With consistency, leadership, and experience, Gjimshiti remains an indispensable figure for both Atalanta and the Albanian national team.