Inside, a receptionist greeted them by name and directed them to a conference room on the second floor. They were asked to wait while the sporting director finished a call. They sat in comfortable chairs around a polished table. Folders with the Atalanta logo were placed in front of each seat.
Fifteen minutes later, the door opened and Luca Percassi, Atalanta's Sporting Director, entered. He was younger than Demien expected but had a reputation as one of the smartest minds in Italian football. His family had transformed Atalanta from a small club into a European contender. Two other executives followed him—the club's legal counsel and head of player development.
"Gentlemen," Percassi greeted them warmly as handshakes were exchanged. "First, let me officially welcome you both to Atalanta. We've been very impressed with what we've seen during your trial period, and Mister Gasperini has personally advocated for both of you to join our project."
