Tony D’Amico, currently the sporting director of Atalanta, is the leading candidate to become the new sporting director at Milan, according to reports in Italy. Discussions between D’Amico and Milan’s current management, led by Giorgio Furlani, began a year ago, with Furlani now identifying D’Amico as the sole candidate for the 2026-27 season. Final approval rests with owner Gerry Cardinale and the club’s ownership group.
D’Amico has established himself as a rising figure in Italian football through his work at Atalanta, as well as previous roles at Verona. The 46-year-old has overseen a number of successful transfers for Atalanta, contributing to their consistent performance in Serie A and European competition. His appointment would signal a shift in Milan’s transfer strategy, potentially focusing on a data-driven and progressive approach similar to that employed by Atalanta.
Interestingly, D’Amico’s career path began with aspirations of becoming a coach. Following the end of his playing career in 2013-14, he served as an assistant coach at Vigor Lamezia. However, Fabio Pecchia, then an assistant at Napoli, recognized his potential as a scout and recommended him to Bologna. This pivotal moment steered him towards a career in player recruitment and sporting direction.
Those who know D’Amico describe him as a passionate and dedicated professional, known for his intense focus during transfer windows. A recurring anecdote details his tendency to fall ill with a fever immediately after the close of each transfer window, a physical manifestation of the stress involved. As a player, D’Amico was a dynamic midfielder, playing for clubs like Cavese and Foggia, though he admitted to a lack of goal-scoring prowess and a tendency to clash with teammates.
D’Amico’s footballing idols reveal his appreciation for intelligent and technically gifted players. He cites Leo Junior and Paulo Sousa as key influences, both midfielders known for their vision and control of the game. He is also known for his smoking habit, reportedly consuming up to two packs of cigarettes during particularly hectic transfer periods. Should D’Amico arrive at Milan, his experience and meticulous approach could be instrumental in rebuilding the squad and challenging for Serie A titles.
