Atalanta Appoint Raffaele Palladino as New Head Coach

Atalanta have announced the appointment of Raffaele Palladino as their new head coach, following the departure of Ivan Juric after a disappointing spell. The club, eager to halt a worrying slide in form, is betting on Palladino’s tactical expertise and fresh ideas to rejuvenate their Serie A campaign.

Raffaele Palladino Takes the Helm at Atalanta

Raffaele Palladino steps into the role of Atalanta head coach after Ivan Juric was dismissed, bringing an end to the ex-Roma and Southampton boss’s short tenure. Juric’s exit comes amid a troubling run of six Serie A matches without a win, most recently highlighted by a 3-0 defeat to Sassuolo that left Atalanta 13th in the league. Despite a Champions League triumph over Marseille, the domestic form proved unacceptable, prompting the club’s leadership to make a decisive change.

Atalanta’s Official Statement and Palladino’s Backroom Team

“Atalanta BC is pleased to announce that the role of technical director of the First Team has been entrusted to Raffaele Palladino,” read the club’s statement. Palladino has signed a contract with the Nerazzurri until June 30, 2027. He will be joined by Stefano Citterio (assistant coach), Federico Peluso (technical assistant), Fabio Corabi (athletic trainer), Nicola Riva (assistant athletic trainer), and analysts Andrea Ramponi and Mattia Casella, forming a team focused on revitalizing Atalanta’s fortunes.

Palladino’s Coaching Journey to Atalanta

Palladino, formerly a Juventus winger, started his coaching career at Monza’s youth academy, progressing from the Under-15s to the Primavera side. His breakthrough arrived in 2022, when he took over Monza’s senior squad after Giovanni Stroppa’s dismissal. He made an immediate impact, securing Monza’s historic first top-flight victory—a 1-0 win over Juventus—and ensuring the club’s Serie A survival in consecutive seasons.

In 2024-25, Palladino moved to Fiorentina, steering the club to an impressive sixth-place Serie A finish and a Conference League semi-final. Over 126 matches in his coaching career, he has recorded 51 wins and 35 draws, earning praise for his adaptability and calm leadership.

Ivan Juric’s Struggles at Atalanta

Juric’s time at Atalanta was marked by underperformance and unrest. The 3-0 loss to Sassuolo epitomized the club’s struggles, with just one win in their last nine games across all competitions and only four goals scored in the last seven league fixtures. The Nerazzurri found themselves nine points away from the top four, with the relegation zone uncomfortably close—just six points adrift.

Reports indicate that dwindling morale and tensions in the dressing room further undermined Juric’s position. Key players, such as Ademola Lookman and Marco Carnesecchi, reportedly fell out with the coach, leading to a breakdown in squad harmony. This turbulent spell stands in sharp contrast to Atalanta’s successful era under Gian Piero Gasperini.

Palladino’s Challenges and Opportunities at Atalanta

With the international break offering a brief respite, Palladino is expected to analyze his new squad closely, evaluating strengths and weaknesses to craft a turnaround strategy. He is likely to draw inspiration from Gasperini’s dynamic system, aiming to restore Atalanta’s high-pressing, attacking football. The new coach will look to re-ignite his squad’s motivation and cohesion to climb back up the Serie A table.

One player who could benefit from Palladino’s arrival is USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah, on loan from AC Milan. Musah, having lost his spot in the US national team, will hope the new manager can help him rediscover his form and increase his international prospects.

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Opinion: Can Palladino Spark an Atalanta Revival?

Raffaele Palladino’s appointment is an exciting move for Atalanta. His proven ability to stabilize teams and implement progressive tactics should give fans hope for a strong finish to the season. If he can quickly instill confidence and unity in the squad, Atalanta may yet recapture the dynamism that made them Serie A contenders. The coming weeks will be crucial as Palladino sets out to restore belief and positive momentum in Bergamo.