Atalanta pulled the plug on Raffaele Palladino’s tenure on June 9, 2026, ending a managerial experiment that lasted barely seven months. The 42-year-old coach, appointed on November 11, 2025, never managed to align his vision with the club’s ambitions.

His replacement is already lined up. Maurizio Sarri, the veteran tactician known for his possession-heavy football philosophy, has finalized a three-year contract with the Bergamo club.

A short and turbulent stint

Palladino arrived at Atalanta with a decent resume. He had previously managed both Monza and Fiorentina before taking the reins at the Gewiss Stadium.

The financial picture adds another wrinkle. Atalanta is reportedly still paying off the contract of former manager Ivan Juric, which means the club is now carrying the cost of multiple coaching departures.

Enter Sarri and the Giuntoli reunion

Sarri’s appointment is more than just a coaching hire. It’s a reunion.

The 67-year-old will link up again with Cristiano Giuntoli, Atalanta’s sporting director, who worked alongside Sarri during his celebrated time at Napoli.

Sarri arrives after leaving Lazio, where his time ended with the termination of his contract. His track record speaks for itself: a Europa League title with Chelsea, a Serie A title with Juventus, and that dazzling Napoli side that challenged for the Scudetto.

The three-year deal is notable. It suggests Atalanta is giving Sarri genuine runway to implement his system, which historically takes time to click.