Lazio are considering Raffaele Palladino as a replacement for outgoing manager Maurizio Sarri, with a potential swap with Atalanta being discussed, according to reports in Italy. An imminent meeting is planned with the 39-year-old Palladino, who is expected to depart Atalanta with Sarri poised to take over in Bergamo, resolving his contract with Lazio next week.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito and sporting director Fabiani are beginning their search for Sarri’s successor, though the process is in its early stages. Formalizing Sarri’s departure is the initial priority, with a meeting scheduled for the beginning of next week. Despite the early stage of the search, Palladino has emerged as the current frontrunner, having previously been recommended by Sarri himself during his first spell at the club as an interesting young coach. Lazio considered him for the role last summer, but Palladino agreed to join Fiorentina after Igor Tudor resigned.
Now, the opportunity for Palladino and Lazio to unite appears more realistic. Palladino is set to leave Atalanta, where he secured European qualification despite a difficult start to the season after replacing Gian Piero Gasperini. He currently has no other suitors, and is reportedly open to the Lazio project. Lazio believe Palladino could be the right manager to build a long-term project focused on developing young players. However, it remains an initial idea, requiring further discussion between the parties to define the project’s scope.
Should the move for Palladino fail, Lazio are prepared to explore options in foreign markets. Runjaic, currently at Udinese, and Grosso, linked with Fiorentina, are potential domestic alternatives, but are not viewed as strongly. German coach Dino Toppmoller, recently available after leaving Eintracht Frankfurt, is among the foreign options being considered. Names previously linked to the club, such as Conceiçao, Almeyda, and Klose, are considered unlikely candidates. As of now, Palladino remains the primary target.
