The article recounts the fateful events of June 7, 1990, when Cesare Bortolotti, president of Atalanta, suffered a car accident that would lead to his untimely death at the age of 39. Bortolotti was returning home after a game of tennis when his car skidded off the road near Lake Iseo and crashed. The circumstances of this night, marked by rain and slick roads, underscored the unpredictability of fate.

Bortolotti, who was born in Bergamo in 1950 and took over the presidency of Atalanta in 1980 from his father, played a pivotal role in transforming the club. Under his leadership, Atalanta not only established itself in Serie A but also achieved significant success, including reaching cup semifinals. His impact on the club and local football was profound, and his absence was deeply felt during a significant moment in football history, coinciding with the start of the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

As the world turned its attention to the World Cup, the article emphasizes the void left by Bortolotti, highlighting not just the loss of a dedicated president but also the potential future of the club he had worked tirelessly to elevate. The juxtaposition of personal tragedy against the backdrop of a grand football spectacle serves to reflect the intricacies of life, legacy, and the often precarious nature of success in sports.