Roma and Atalanta trade public statements in D'Amico vs Percassi row
Quick summary
A public dispute has erupted between Roma and Atalanta, with sporting director Ricky D'Amico responding to criticism from Atalanta president Antonio Percassi via club statements.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAtalanta and Roma have released statements following the bitter argument between directors and former colleagues Luca Percassi and Tony D’Amico following the dramatic Serie A match.
The Giallorossi scored twice in stoppages to overturn the Ederson strike, as Mario Hermoso and Matias Soulé secured a 2-1 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
There was tension at the final whistle, including a red card for Dea midfielder Gianluca Gaetano, but it continued well after the match had concluded.
Roma 2-1 Atalanta row escalated BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Luca Percassi, CEO of Atalanta BC looks on before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on August 31, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) The tension was fuelled also by the fact that current Roma director of sport D’Amico had until a few weeks ago been working for the Bergamo side.
According to the Corriere dello Sport and Tuttomercatoweb , Percassi went towards D’Amico and began hurling insults, with the argument continuing all the way into the parking lot.
It was reported that D’Amico gave no response to the insults, and that security had to intervene to separate them.
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Mario Hermoso of Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on September 05, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) “AS Roma expresses its full support for Sporting Director Tony D’Amico in relation to the events that occurred following the match against Atalanta,” read a statement.
“The Club considers the conduct of Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi towards one of its executives unacceptable and wishes to highlight the professionalism shown by D’Amico, who refrained from reacting in any way.
“AS Roma will refer the matter to the relevant sporting justice authorities for their appropriate consideration.”
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of Roma, looks on before the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on September 05, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Atalanta in turn released their own statement this afternoon , giving a very different version of events.
“Atalanta BC firmly reject the evaluation expressed by AS Roma towards CEO Luca Percassi. The Club, considering it opportune not to further fuel the matter via public comment, can declare itself entirely at the disposal of sporting justice investigations to verify the circumstances.”
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What happened
A nasty off-field row has developed between Roma and Atalanta, playing out through official club statements rather than on the pitch. Atalanta president Antonio Percassi reportedly made critical remarks that prompted a response from Roma's sporting director Ricky D'Amico, with both clubs releasing formal communications. The exchange highlights the growing tension between the two Serie A clubs and suggests underlying friction that could affect their competitive relationship going forward.
Chance analysis
Public spats between Serie A clubs are not uncommon, but when they play out via official statements it signals a more serious fracture. Roma and Atalanta are direct competitors in the race for European places, and any animosity between directors and presidents tends to add a charged atmosphere to their future meetings. The key question for followers of both clubs is whether this remains a war of words or spills over into transfer negotiations and on-pitch confrontations.
Heightened animosity between Roma and Atalanta may intensify their direct encounters but has no immediate on-pitch impact on either side.