Upon returning to the top flight in the 1940–41 season, Atalanta achieved its first ever victory against Juventus (3–0) and also defeated reigning champion Bologna en route to a sixth-place finish. By virtue of its performances this season, Atalanta earned its reputation as the "Regina delle provinciali" ("queen of the provincial clubs"), a reputation it still boasts today. Atalanta continued in Serie A under Hungarian coach János Nehadoma until the league was suspended because of World War II in 1943. Despite the sales of several key players, and a 9–1 loss against Torino (the worst in the club's history), Nehadoma's team achieved a 13th-place finish in 1942 and a ninth-place finish in 1943, the latter campaign featuring standout victories against Torino (1–0), against Milan at San Siro (1–0), and against reigning champion Roma (2–1).