Who is Bergamo Calcio in FIFA 23?

In short, Bergamo Calcio is the fictional placeholder name for Italian club Atalanta BC forced to be used in FIFA 23 and potentially future titles. This is due to a licensing deal with rival football game eFootball.

The Background Behind Atalanta‘s FIFA Absence

First founded in 1907, Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio have developed into one of Italy‘s most exciting top flight clubs in recent seasons. Their attacking style saw them achieve an impressive 3rd place 2019-20 Serie A finish.

Historically, Atalanta has featured under their real-life name and branding in EA Sports‘ FIFA series. However, ahead of FIFA 23, it was announced Serie A stars Atalanta had entered an exclusive licensing partnership with eFootball.

This deal with Konami‘s rival football simulation means Atalanta‘s official name, kit, badge and assets can no longer be used in the FIFA series. Leaving EA Sports with a major licensing headache.

What Does This Exclusive eFootball Deal Mean?

In short, it prevents accurate representation of Atalanta in future FIFA releases. With eFootball now holding exclusive rights, EA is unable to leverage official club branding without facing legal repercussions.

For FIFA 23 and potentially FIFA 24 onwards, Atalanta will be depicted under the fictional guise of "Bergamo Calcio". Bergamo referring to the Lombardy city where Atalanta club and fans are based.

This allows EA to include the correct Atalanta squad, players, kits, stadium etc without breaching licensing terms. But official badges, logos and naming rights remain with eFootball.

Clearly this compromise leaves FIFA stalwarts frustrated. Especially with eFootball racking up exclusive rights to other giants like Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

Will "Bergamo Calcio" Impact FIFA Gameplay?

Thankfully for FIFA fans, despite the inaccurate name, Bergamo Calcio will retain Atalanta‘s distinctive navy blue and black striped kits in-game. Along with a near identical badge themed on Greek Goddess Atalanta.

Plus Serie A stars like Luis Muriel, Teun Koopmeiners, Mario Pašalić and fan favourite Josip Iličić all appear under contract. So Bergamo Calcio replicates the playing experience of using favored team Atalanta.

Image: Bergamo Calcio FRBs Badge

Tactically, you can still play Atalanta‘s exciting attacking brand in FIFA‘s Career Mode. With wing backs Hans Hateboer and Davide Zappacosta providing width in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Just don‘t expect ceremonial banners or trophy presentations bearing "Bergamo Calcio"!

What Could This Mean for Future FIFA Games?

There is a chance Atalanta could regain licensing rights in future FIFA instalments if relations cool with Konami. Similar to Juventus re-partnering with EA from FIFA 23 onwards.

But sources claim Atalanta inked a lengthy 10 year eFootball deal back in 2021. So Bergamo Calcio could be the Atalanta substitute name for the foreseeable future of the FIFA series.

If eFootball‘s clout expands, we may even see Serie A giants Inter Milan or AC Milan jump ship from FIFA too. Further disrupting EA Sports‘ licensing model.

For now, FIFa purists bemoan another official club name casualty. While regular players feel moderate impact given replicated kits, players and home stadium.

Knock-on React ions From the Football Community

Clearly club executives view eFootball affiliation as beneficial for reach and revenue. But how do fans react to seeing their team adopted under alias monikers in FIFA?

Surveys into player satisfaction rates around licensed vs fictional content show a clear majority prefer realism over gameplay perks:

Additionally, 73% of players said they feel "no connection" to teams displayed under fictional names like Bergamo Calcio. Suggesting the licensing loss ruins immersion for gamers craving authenticity.

Summary – What Does Bergamo Calcio Mean For You?

In answering "Who is Bergamo Calcio in FIFA 23?", they are plainly the placeholder name for Italian high-flyers Atalanta BC due to licensing issues.

While you‘ll still get to play in Atalanta‘s classic kits, and with all your favorite Serie A stars, losing official club recognition is a blow for fans. Especially if more teams jump ship to Konami‘s rival eFootball series.

For now, playability in FIFA remains moderately impacted. But the Bergamo Calcio alias joins a growing trend of accuracy being sacrificed for commercial greed. Meaning FIFA 24 could be light on legitimate licensing compared to glory days of the franchise if this continues.

So embrace Bergamo Calcio for what it is – a tattooed team with distinctly Atalanta DNA. Just don‘t expect to hear their name echo around virtual trophy presentations!