Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has insisted his side remain ambitious in their pursuit of European qualification, despite currently sitting seventh in Serie A. Speaking ahead of the weekend fixture against Cagliari, Palladino emphasized the 15 points still available this season as a target for a late climb up the table.
The Bergamo club's recent elimination from the Coppa Italia at the hands of Juventus was a significant disappointment, but Palladino pointed to the team's underlying form since his appointment. According to the coach, Atalanta rank fifth in the league for points accrued in that period, behind only Inter, Milan, Napoli, and Juventus. He suggested that fine margins have cost his team in key matches against direct rivals for continental places.
Palladino acknowledged the challenge of breaking down deep-lying defenses but took encouragement from his team's chance creation. He also highlighted the team's defensive solidity, noting Atalanta currently boasts the third-best defensive record in the division, a feat he credited in part to the defensive work of his forwards. The upcoming run-in will be complicated by the confirmed month-long absence of defender Lorenzo Bernasconi due to injury, with Mitchel Bakker, Davide Zappacosta, Raoul Bellanova, and Yunus Musah expected to provide cover.
On a personal note, Palladino addressed the status of his own contract, which expires in 2027. He stated that financial terms are not a priority and that he feels a strong attachment to the club and its people. The 40-year-old former Italy international indicated that discussions about an extension can wait until the season concludes, stressing that his immediate focus is solely on the team's present objectives. His comments come amid a period of transition for Atalanta, who are looking to secure a return to European competition after missing out last season.
