Atalanta-Club Brugge, the fair-play event

While waiting for the official kick-off of the return leg of the full-fledged black-and-blue Champions League playoffs, Atalanta did the hosts' honours by welcoming the Club Brugge delegation and the UEFA representatives for the traditional pre-match gathering, a tangible token of sport's "soft power" and its ability to forge lasting bods capable of transcending the football pitch.

True to their role as hosts, the Bergamaschi executives treated their Flemish homologues to an "out-of-the-box" event, rich in historical and cultural value, highlighting the deep-rooted bond between Atalanta and their city, Bergamo: the official luncheon, pièce de résistance of the pre-match etiquette, was in fact preceded by an exclusive tour of Città Alta to showcase the Orobic capital's most iconic and storied locations.

After the immersive journey through Bergamo’s historical, artistic, and cultural heritage, the convivial aspect followed suit with the official symposium, held as per the well-established tradition at the "Dea Lounge". With the Gewiss Stadium's main restaurant as perfect scenery, three-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio, another hallmark of Bergamo's excellence, this time in the culinary field, presented a special menu, featuring their renowned and iconic paccheri.

Representing Club Brugge were President Bart Verhaeghe, Vice-President Jan Boone, board members Lucas Verhaeghe and Peter Vanhecke, CEO Bob Madou, CLO Thomas Delameilleure, Director of Football Devy Rigaux and Sporting Director Maarten Dedobbeleer.

For Atalanta, the attendees included co-Chairman Stephen Pagliuca, CEO Luca Percassi; board member Joseph Pagliuca, Corporate General Manager Andrea Fabris, Institutional General Manager Umberto Marino, Commercial & Marketing Director Romano Zanforlin and General Secretary-Main Contact Marco Semprini.

From UEFA, Delegate Myroslaw Ryszkail, Venue Director Sean Alari, and Venue Operations and Broadcast Manager David Gallego were present.