Sarri Appointment At Atalanta Follows Palladino Sacking As Club Seeks New Direction

Atalanta removed Raffaele Palladino from the head coach role after only six months in charge. The decision followed a Serie A campaign where Atalanta finished seventh and booked Conference League qualification for 2026-27, yet the club still chose to dismiss Palladino and the technical staff.

Palladino had arrived in November last year on a two-year contract after Atalanta turned to a new direction. The former Monza and Fiorentina coach replaced Ivan Juric, who departed following a sequence of seven league matches without a single victory.

Across all competitions, Palladino led Atalanta in 39 fixtures and recorded 18 wins, eight draws and 13 defeats. That run produced a 46% win rate, which stood as the second-strongest percentage of Palladino’s managerial career, reflecting steady results despite the brief spell.

The Italian coach also guided Atalanta into the Champions League knockout phase, reaching the last 16. Bayern Munich then dominated the tie, winning 10-2 on aggregate against Vincent Kompany's side. Atalanta advanced to the Coppa Italia semi-finals as well, but Lazio progressed on penalties.

"Atalantaannounce that Raffaele Palladino has been relieved of his duties as First Team Head Coach, along with his coaching staff, the club said in astatement on Tuesday. Atalanta BC would like to thank Raffaele Palladino and his staff for their commitment, dedication and professionalism, wishing them every success in their future endeavours."

Attention now turns to the next Atalanta coach, with Maurizio Sarri widely expected to take over. Sarri left Lazio by mutual consent at the end of last season and is understood to be close to an agreement to become Palladino’s successor in Bergamo.

Despite a European place secured and progress in both the Champions League and Coppa Italia, Atalanta opted to change direction after one campaign. Palladino departs with a respectable record, while the club prepares for a new Serie A chapter under a different coach.