Overview
- Atalanta canceled the customary pre-match dinner with Borussia Dortmund's leadership for both legs, an unusually pointed break with long-standing UEFA competition practice.
- CEO Luca Percassi accuses Dortmund of disrespect and acting outside permitted timeframes in recruiting the player, saying the club has taken the matter to FIFA.
- Lars Ricken rejects the allegations, stating the transfer of a minor followed clear regulations with extensive documentation and that FIFA confirmed everything was in order.
- The return leg in Bergamo is set for Wednesday after Dortmund’s 2-0 home win, with BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl predicting a heated and highly intense atmosphere.
- Samuele Inácio left Atalanta’s academy for Dortmund in summer 2024, is now 17, has been registered for the Champions League and included in senior squads, but has yet to debut.