The powers that be at Atalanta have made it clear that they are ready to fight tooth and nail to retain the services of their highly sought after dire...
The powers that be at Atalanta have made it clear that they are ready to fight tooth and nail to retain the services of their highly sought after director, Tony D'Amico, even as whispers from the Bergamo camp suggest that a move to a bigger European powerhouse may be in the cards. The club's Chief Executive Officer, Luca Percassi, has for the first time broken his silence on the matter, confirming to GoalZaza that D'Amico is indeed courted by many clubs across the continent, a situation that has set the football grapevine buzzing like a Lagos market at rush hour. In a candid interview, Percassi admitted that while the club would be genuinely happy to see the current director of football move on if he so desires, they are equally confident that a man of Giuntoli's calibre would be a formidable replacement. 'At the end of the day, we want what is best for the club,' Percassi told GoalZaza, his voice carrying the weight of a man who has seen many transfer sagas come and go. 'D'Amico has given a good account of himself since his arrival, but the lion's share of our gratitude goes to the entire staff. If he decides to take on a new challenge, we would be delighted to welcome Giuntoli, who is a stalwart in his own right.' The news has sent ripples through the Nigerian football community, with many supporters keenly watching how this development might affect the future of Super Eagles stars who ply their trade in Serie A. Atalanta, a club that has become synonymous with clinical attacking football and resilient defending, are known for their astute recruitment in the African market. The Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, for instance, has flourished under the current regime, and any change in the director's seat could have significant implications for the club's pursuit of other African talents. In the scheme of things, this is a story of loyalty versus ambition, a classic Nigerian football drama that could unfold over the coming weeks. As the transfer window creaks open, the football world waits with bated breath to see whether D'Amico will stay or whether Giuntoli will be handed the keys to the Atalanta kingdom. Nigerian Context: Fans at the popular De Choice viewing centre in Surulere, Lagos, are already debating the matter with the passion of a derby day. 'Oya, if D'Amico go, make Giuntoli come quick quick, but abeg don't let them tamper with our Lookman,' one fan shouted, his voice rising above the din. Another, sipping a cold bottle of malt, added, 'Atalanta dey play good football, we no want wahala. Just sign the contract and let the ball roll.' The air is thick with anticipation, and if social media is anything to go by, this transfer saga will dominate conversations from Makurdi to Maiduguri before the final whistle blows.
