Who is Tony D’Amico? All you need to know about AS Roma’s new sporting director from 2026/27 season

AS Roma has officially announced the appointment of Tony D’Amico as the club’s new Sporting Director, effective July 1, 2026for the 2026/27 season.

This move marks a significant step in Roma’s sporting project under the Friedkin ownership, bringing in a highly regarded executive known for smart recruitment, player development, and capital gains.

Official Announcement

“AS Roma is pleased to announce that, effective July 1st, Tony D’Amico will assume the role of Sporting Director of the Club.” — AS Roma Official Statement (June 12, 2026)

Maurizio Lombardo will handle the role on an interim basis for the remainder of the current season.

Tony D’Amico Background and Early Career

Born on February 25, 1980in Popoli (Pescara area), Italy, Tony D’Amico is 46 years old. He had a modest playing career as a midfielder in lower Italian divisions (Serie C and D) with clubs like Chieti, Foggia, Empoli, Cavese, and Lecco before retiring in 2013.

After hanging up his boots, D’Amico transitioned quickly into football management and scouting roles, rising through the ranks with a strong emphasis on talent identification and squad building.

Career Highlights: Hellas Verona (2016–2022)

D’Amico joined Hellas Verona in 2016 as Head of Scouting. He was promoted to Sporting Director ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Under his leadership:

• Verona achieved promotion to Serie A.
• The club enjoyed three solid mid-table finishes (9th twice and 10th once) in Serie A.
• He orchestrated several high-value player deals, including talents like Amir Rrahmani, Marash Kumbullaand Sofyan Amrabatwhich generated substantial capital gains (reportedly over €55 million in some analyses).

His work at Verona earned him recognition as one of Italy’s emerging sporting directors, praised for his scouting network, management skills, and ability to build competitive squads on a budget.

Success at Atalanta (2022–2026)

In summer 2022, D’Amico moved to Atalanta BC as Sporting Director. He spent four highly successful seasons there, contributing to the club’s continued growth as a European force.

Key achievements under his tenure include:

• Strengthening the squad with intelligent signings (e.g., notable contributions to players like Ederson).
• Supporting the team’s run to winning the Europa League.
• Maintaining Atalanta’s reputation for developing and flipping talent profitably while competing at the highest level.

Atalanta and D’Amico parted ways by mutual agreement at the end of May 2026, paving the way for his move to Roma.

What Tony D’Amico Brings to AS Roma

Roma fans and analysts view D’Amico as an ideal fit, especially with Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly involved in the project. His experience working alongside Gasperini at Atalanta makes him well-placed to help implement a similar high-pressing, talent-driven philosophy in the Italian capital.