I agree, club management might also be well aware that their club does not yet have a squad that is able to compete with other clubs at UCL. This year's Serie A is more competitive, I hope the winner won't be Juventus. Hopefully Atalanta can reach the top 4 at the end of the season.
Atalanta aren't in the champions league to win the tournament, at least if ever, not at this moment and at their level in football.
They by the way can dare to dream just like Ajax and spurs did last season, but for that to happen, they must first cement their position as regular comers in the UCL. They play good football no doubt.
In the seria A, they are indeed a team to reckon with, I admire their style of play, and surely they'll finish in the top four, if they can make a few signings next season, then their target could probably increase by next season.