"D'Amico will stay at Atalanta. He will be tasked with building another competitive team"
With these words spoken yesterday, Luca Percassi, Atalanta’s CEO, effectively locked down Tony D'Amico, the club’s sporting director who has long been on AC Milan's radar—especially of their CEO Giorgio Furlani, who had placed him at the top of the list of candidates to become the new sporting director of the Rossoneri.
Open game...
As reported this morning by Corriere della Sera, despite the statements made by the Bergamo club’s executive, the matter is far from settled: the relationship between Atalanta and Milan is excellent, and over the years the two clubs have done plenty of business together, so it cannot be ruled out that once the season ends, an agreement could be reached. Until then, however, Atalanta—still fighting for a spot in the next Champions League — does not intend to discuss the matter. Furlani, therefore, is not letting go and has meanwhile put the option of Igli Tare on hold. Unlike D’Amico, Tare is currently a free agent and could begin working for Milan immediately.
Maurizio Sarri for the AC Milan bench?
After appointing a new sporting director, Milan will also have to choose a new coach, as Sergio Conceição’s chances of being confirmed are very slim—even if he wins the Coppa Italia. Should D’Amico arrive, Maurizio Sarri’s chances of taking over the Milan bench would increase significantly. Last December, the former Lazio coach was approached by Milan when they needed a replacement for the dismissed Paulo Fonseca, but he turned down a mere six-month contract. However, those close to him assure that if he were approached again with at least a two-year deal, he would immediately say yes. But first, the club must finalize the sporting director—only then can they focus on the future of the Rossoneri bench.
