Former West Ham player Gianluca Scamacca is currently experiencing a decline in favor at Atalanta due to suspected gaming addiction.
Numerous athletes have seen their careers falter due to addictions such as alcohol, gambling, or other societal vices. However, in the modern era of football, there is also temptation stemming from gaming. Atalanta’s Scamacca is currently grappling with a gaming addiction, which has been detrimental to his performance. The Corriere della Sera reported that Scamacca has undergone significant changes due to his frequent gaming habits, noting that he appeared “like a different person” during Atalanta’s 1-1 draw with AC Milan.
West Ham paid Sassuolo £30.5 million (plus an additional £5 million in add-ons) to sign Scamacca in the summer of 2022. However, he was subsequently loaned back to Italy in 2023. The East London club recouped £22.5 million from his sale to Atalanta.
Upon his return to his homeland, the 1999-born player has continuously troubled Atalanta’s coaching staff. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini has grown increasingly frustrated with his antics. Even in the Italian national team, coach Luciano Spalletti has imposed a ban on gaming for his players, which Scamacca has failed to adhere to.
It seems that West Ham has recognized this issue, hence their decision to part ways with Scamacca. The 26-year-old forward scored 8 goals in 27 appearances for The Hammers but missed the end of the season due to knee surgery. He made a promising start at Atalanta, netting 5 goals in his first 8 Serie A matches. However, his form subsequently declined, with only 1 goal in his last 11 Serie A outings. The Corriere della Sera has advised Scamacca to overcome his gaming addiction in order to salvage his career.