The tension between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund is palpable, and the situation has been exacerbated by the absence of a traditional lunch between the clubs’ managements before the decisive Champions League match. Luca Percassi, the CEO of Atalanta, did not hesitate to express his discontent in a humorous manner, stating that he and his team “had to go hungry” due to the Germans’ refusal to participate in this meeting, which typically serves to foster dialogue between the clubs. The lack of this social gathering is not merely a matter of tradition; it reflects the tense atmosphere that has persisted since the transfer of young talent Samuele Inacio from Bergamo to the Bundesliga club in 2024.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t have that lunch, so we went hungry,” lamented Percassi in an interview with Sky Sport Italia before the crucial clash. The expectation was that Dortmund would seize the opportunity to open a channel of communication, but that was far from reality. “We move on,” he added, highlighting Atalanta’s resilience even in the face of adversity.
Percassi did not fail to acknowledge the unwavering support of Atalanta fans, which has been a true fuel for the team. “From the moment we got on the bus at the training center in Zingonia until we arrived at the stadium, we felt the passion of our fans,” he revealed. He emphasized that this energy is crucial, especially considering that the club has been unable to count on its supporters in several away games. “We hope to engage with the institutions to address these issues, including the semifinals of the Coppa Italia, because football without its fans is not the same,” he stated.
When discussing the match against Dortmund, Percassi did not hide the seriousness of the challenge. “It will be a very difficult and complicated game, but we know how competitive the Champions League is. Achieving a result tonight would be something historic for this club,” he asserted, conveying a mix of optimism and realism.
The CEO also reflected on Atalanta’s journey, which finds itself at a crucial point in the season. “It is extraordinary to be here, so let’s make the most of this moment with the spirit of Atalanta, hoping to have no regrets,” he said, highlighting the club’s philosophy that goes beyond a simple pursuit of results.
“Our goal is to ensure safety in Serie A as quickly as possible, and this is not just a phrase; it’s how we really think,” emphasized Percassi. Although the club has greater ambitions due to increased investment capacity in recent years, he acknowledged that large expenditures do not necessarily guarantee significant results. “They can allow for the signing of important players who, in theory, make a difference, but they still need to integrate with the rest of the team and translate that investment into results on the pitch,” he analyzed.
Humility is a fundamental value for Atalanta, as Percassi emphasized, recognizing the difference between his club’s reality and that of European giants. “Last week, we played in one of the largest stadiums in Europe, which holds 82,000 people, and you realize that it’s a different reality from ours,” he reflected. The CEO made it clear that the club’s strategy remains a combination of humility with ambition and determination, elements that have been essential to their success in recent years.
The atmosphere is tense, but Percassi and Atalanta are determined to face Borussia Dortmund and show the world that, despite the difficulties, the spirit of the club remains unshakable. The battle is about to begin, and the fans are ready to support their team in yet another historic moment in the Champions League.
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