AC Milan are reigniting their pursuit of Atalanta sporting director Tony D'Amico, a move that could send shockwaves through Serie A's power structure. The 44-year-old executive, under contract with La Dea until 2027, has emerged as the Rossoneri's preferred candidate to overhaul their football operations, according to sources close to the club.
D'Amico's potential arrival at San Siro comes after a previous attempt collapsed last year when Atalanta blocked his exit following Gian Piero Gasperini's departure. Now, with Milan's current director Igli Tare facing an uncertain future despite a contract until 2027, the club's hierarchy—led by CEO Giorgio Furlani—is pushing for a fresh start.
“Tony is the man who changed Atalanta's recruitment model,” a senior Italian football executive told Tuttosport. “His ability to find undervalued talent and generate massive plusvalenze is exactly what Milan needs to compete sustainably at the top.”
D'Amico's track record at Bergamo is impressive: he oversaw the signing of key players like Rasmus Højlund and Ederson, while the club's Europa League triumph in 2024 stands as a career highlight. His network extends across Europe, and his data-driven approach aligns with modern football analytics.
However, the deal is far from straightforward. Roma, under Gasperini's influence, are also keen to hire D'Amico as their new sporting director, with current incumbent Ricky Massara expected to join Olympique Marseille. Gasperini and D'Amico shared a successful three-year partnership at Atalanta, and the Giallorossi hope to reunite them.
“Gasp is a huge factor,” a source close to D'Amico said. “He respects Tony deeply and wants him in Rome. But Milan's project—with its global brand and Champions League ambitions—is incredibly tempting.”
Milan's interest is not conditional on Champions League qualification. The club has signaled that D'Amico would be brought in regardless of Sunday's match against Atalanta, which could decide their European fate. This unwavering commitment underscores their belief that he is the right man to lead a new era.
The implications for Serie A are significant. If D'Amico joins Milan, Atalanta would lose their chief architect, potentially destabilizing a club that has consistently punched above its weight. Roma, meanwhile, would need an alternative plan, possibly pivoting to other candidates like Giovanni Sartori or Sean Sogliano.
For Milan, D'Amico's appointment would signal a strategic shift toward a more analytical, youth-focused recruitment policy. It would also mean a clean break from the current management, which has faced criticism for inconsistent transfers and an over-reliance on aging stars.
As Sunday's clash approaches, all eyes will be on the directors' box. Whether D'Amico ends up on the Milan side of the table remains to be seen, but the chess pieces are moving rapidly.
“This is more than a transfer rumor—it's a power play that could define the next five years of Italian football,” a Serie A analyst noted.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.com - Calcio.
