The tension between Atalanta and [Borussia Dortmund](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/capello-revela-os-desafios-dos-clubes-da-serie-a-na-champions-league/) reaches new heights, as the Italian club’s directors once again refused to attend an institutional lunch organized by [UEFA](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/benfica-perde-batalha-juridica-e-prestianni-fica-de-fora-do-jogo-com-o-real-madrid/). This incident occurred hours before the crucial second leg of the [Champions League](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/kylian-mbappe-fora-do-jogo-real-madrid-benfica-pode-precisar-de-cirurgia/) Round of 16, and the reason behind this refusal stems from a transfer dispute that has left deep scars between the two clubs.
Atalanta officials, who felt disrespected by the German club’s approach regarding the transfer of Samuele Inacio, a young talent who left Bergamo to join the Dortmund team in 2024, did not hesitate to express their discontent. This is not the first time Atalanta has ignored UEFA’s invitation; last week, prior to the first match in Germany, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Dortmund, the situation was the same.
The strained relationship between the clubs dates back to the sale of promising forward Samuele Inacio, now 17 years old, who stood out in Atalanta’s youth categories. Since transferring to Borussia Dortmund, he has scored nine goals in 21 games with the B team, demonstrating his potential and the reason why Atalanta feels wronged. Inacio is also the son of former Atalanta player Inacio Pia, which makes the situation even more delicate, accentuating the sense of betrayal felt by his former club’s management.
Luca Percassi, CEO of Atalanta, has clearly expressed his displeasure, citing a “serious lack of respect” from Dortmund, which triggered the executives’ decision not to participate in the institutional meeting. The refusal to meet with Borussia’s directors is not merely a matter of protocol; it is a cry for recognition and respect that Atalanta feels has been taken from them.
The atmosphere is tense as preparations are underway for today’s match, scheduled for 18:45 CET (17:45 GMT) at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. Expectations are high, not only for what is at stake on the pitch but also for the potential consequences this growing rivalry may have on the future relations between the two teams. The outcome of this clash could define not only Atalanta’s future in the competition but also how the clubs interact in an increasingly competitive and volatile landscape.
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