AC Milan Set to Approach Atalanta’s Tony D’Amico for Sporting Director Role Amid Search Crisis

AC Milan Eyes Tony D’Amico as Sporting Director During High-Stakes Matchup

There’s no time for downtime at AC Milan these days. With the Serie A transfer window creeping closer and the executive suite missing a key figure, CEO Giorgio Furlani is using every possible moment to solve Milan’s sporting director puzzle. This weekend’s face-off against Atalanta isn't just a regular league fixture—it’s a fresh opening for Furlani to move Milan’s plans forward in broad daylight.

Sources close to the club say Furlani will meet Tony D'Amico during the high-profile Easter Sunday match. D’Amico, who’s currently running Atalanta’s recruitment and contracts, isn’t just another name on the list—he’s become the name at the very top of it. Despite being tied up with Atalanta through 2027, his ability to identify developing talent and build competitive teams hasn’t gone unnoticed at Milan. Think about his knack for finding players like Matteo Retegui, Charles De Ketelaere, and Ademola Lookman; it’s exactly what a team with Champions League ambitions needs right now.

Inside Milan’s Growing Urgency and the Roadblocks Ahead

Furlani’s not playing a solo game. While he’s holding talks with D’Amico, there have been conversations with Igli Tare—formerly of Lazio and a recognized figure in Serie A circles. Tare is available, after leaving Lazio last summer, but seems to be more of a fallback if the D’Amico approach stalls. Milan’s hope is to land a proven sporting director who thrives in collaboration rather than going solo. Reports suggest that’s what makes D’Amico stand out over Tare—his reputation for working closely with club managers and analysts on core squad building and scouting duties.

But you can’t just snap your fingers to snag him. Atalanta’s president Antonio Percassi is known for guarding his assets, and D’Amico’s contract runs deep until 2027. Any move would need Milan to negotiate a release—a process likely involving compensation and careful backroom diplomacy. So, while talks might get underway on Sunday, don’t expect instant fireworks.

Milan needs speed. The search for a new sporting director became urgent after the club decided against hiring Fabio Paratici. Ongoing legal troubles made Paratici’s name a non-starter, forcing Milan’s decision-makers to turn their attention elsewhere just as the summer transfer market starts heating up. Getting the right appointment in place soon isn’t only about chasing new signings; it’s vital for locking in strategies, planning out new contracts, and keeping pace with Serie A rivals also sharpening their squads.

• AC Milan has initiated first discussions with Tony D’Amico about joining as sporting director, aiming to leverage his proven record in player recruitment.
• Negotiations are intricate due to D’Amico’s current contract with Atalanta, which extends for three more years.
• The club weighed options such as Igli Tare and Fabio Paratici but is leaning heavily toward D’Amico’s skill set and working style.
• Milan’s urgency stems from both the upcoming transfer window and the risks of lagging behind domestic competitors.

With all this in play, AC Milan’s board knows the next few weeks will shape their momentum on and off the pitch. The hopes now rest on Easter Sunday delivering more than just football. It could be the day Milan lines up its next sporting architect.