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percassi presidente atalanta

Percassi Attends Funeral of Former Atalanta President Ruggeri

Gian Percassi, the Atalanta football club president has paid his final respects to former club president Antonio Ruggeri at his funeral in Bergamo

Percassi, who is also the owner of Atalanta, was among the mourners who attended the ceremony at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Ruggeri, who was 79, died on Tuesday after a long illness.

He was president of Atalanta from 1990 to 2002, during which time the club won the Coppa Italia in 1996.

He was also a member of the Italian Football Federation's Federal Council.

Percassi said in a statement: “Today we say goodbye to a great man, a true gentleman of football.

“Antonio Ruggeri was a visionary leader who helped to make Atalanta the club it is today.

“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

“On behalf of Atalanta, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Antonio's family and friends.

“May he rest in peace.”

Also in Attendance

Other mourners at the funeral included Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, club captain Papu Gomez, and former players such as Christian Vieri and Gianluca Pagliuca.

Ruggeri's Legacy

Ruggeri was a popular figure in Bergamo and is credited with helping to turn Atalanta into a top-flight club.

He was also a strong advocate for youth development and helped to establish the club's academy.

Ruggeri's death has been met with sadness by the football community.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said in a statement: “The FIGC mourns the loss of Antonio Ruggeri, a great man of Italian football.

“He was a passionate and dedicated leader who made a significant contribution to the development of football in Italy.”