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Atalanta directors have once again refused to meet their Borussia Dortmund counterparts for an institutional lunch organised by UEFA following a transfer dispute over Samuele Inacio, who joined the Germans from Bergamo in 2024.
Atalanta directors have once again snubbed a UEFA lunch with Borussia Dortmund executives today, hours before a second-leg Champions League knockout play-off,Sky Sport confirms.
Why Atalanta are upset with Borussia Dortmund
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Nicola Zalewski of Atalanta is challenged by Waldemar Anton of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
The same happened last week, before the first-leg tie in Germany, which the Bundesliga side eventually won 2-0.
There’s bad blood between the two clubs following the transfer of promising striker Samuele Inacio from Atalanta to Borussia Dortmund in 2024.
Raffaele Palladino and Luca Percassi sign the Atalanta contract (@atalanta_bc)
Inacio, now 17, is a product of the Atalanta academy. has scored nine goals in 21 games with Borussia Dortmund II this term.
Atalanta saw ‘lack of respect’ from Borussia Dortmund
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Nicola Zalewski of Atalanta is fouled by Luca Reggiani of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Inacio is the son of former Atalanta striker Inacio Pia.
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi explained last week that there had been a “serious lack of respect” from the German side, which prompted La Dea executives to snub their institutional meeting with their counterparts.
Today’s match kicks off at 18:45 CET (17:45 GMT) at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.