Siren Diao: A Rising Star in Serie B with Atalanta’s Legacy

Siren Diao, the sole Spanish footballer on Atalanta’s roster, is a Catalan forward who will celebrate his 21st birthday on the day of the upcoming match against Athletic. This season, he is playing on loan for Cesena in Serie B. Diao, who has previously shared a locker room with Peio Canales on the U19 national team, moved to Italy in 2022 after developing his talents at various clubs along the Costa Brava. He joined Atalanta two years ago from Hellas Verona, which was his first club in Italy. The loan to Cesena marks the second such arrangement in his career, following a previous loan to Granada last year.

Diao’s journey in Italy contrasts with that of Giuseppe Meazza, the second leading goal scorer in Serie A history and a footballing icon, especially in northern Italy. Meazza began his retirement at Atalanta, followed by a brief spell at Inter, where he commenced his coaching career. He is also known for his remarkable achievements with the Italian national team, having won the World Cup in 1934 and 1938, and for being the top scorer in Serie A for three consecutive seasons. His legacy is honored, as both Inter and Milan respect his contributions, culminating in the decision to name the stadium shared by both clubs after him in 1979.

As of now, Diao has yet to score in Italy’s top flight and is working diligently to earn a return from his loan. He was signed by Atalanta in the winter transfer window of 2024, following the persistent efforts of Tony D’Amico, the club’s sporting director. D’Amico, who previously held the same position and served as a scout for Hellas Verona, was instrumental in bringing Diao to Atalanta. During his time at Verona, he scored 23 goals in 33 games as a youth player and netted 12 in 30 matches with the club’s second team. D’Amico advocated for Diao’s inclusion in the transfer of Isak Hien, a Swedish center-back who has participated in three of the six Champions League matches for Atalanta this season.

Diao has signed a contract extending until 2028, and there is optimism about his potential to develop with time. Last season, he managed to score two goals in just 147 minutes of play in the Segunda División while at Granada over a six-month loan period. This season, he returns to compete in Italy with Cesena, where reports suggest that Atalanta will consider further loan options until the end of the transfer window. Diao did not see any playing time in Cesena’s recent 1-2 victory over Reggiana.

Returning to Atalanta, Diao faces increased competition for a spot in the lineup, especially with the recent acquisition of Raspadori from Atlético. The Italian international views Atalanta as his pathway to the World Cup, although he won’t be eligible to compete against Athletic just yet, as winter signings will not participate in the knockout rounds.

However, the Nigerian attacker Lookman, who recently secured a bronze medal at the Africa Cup, will be available for the coach. Lookman scored one of the decisive penalties in the consolation final against Egypt, further adding to Atalanta’s attacking options.