Maurizio Sarri is set to become the new manager of Atalanta, arriving at the club’s Zingonia training ground on Saturday to finalize a three-year contract, according to reports in Italy. An official announcement is expected either today or tomorrow.
The appointment marks a new chapter for Atalanta following the end of the ten-year cycle under Gian Piero Gasperini, and subsequent short spells with Igor Tudor and Stefano Palladino. Sarri, 67, will be tasked with continuing the club’s tradition of attractive, attacking football while potentially implementing his own distinct tactical approach. He arrives alongside new sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, with whom he previously worked at Napoli between 2015 and 2018.
Sarri’s managerial career began in the lower tiers of Italian football in the 1990s, and he rose to prominence with Empoli and then Napoli, where he built a reputation for his possession-based ‘Sarriball’ style. He later managed Chelsea, leading them to a Europa League title, and most recently spent time at Lazio, where he secured Champions League qualification in the 2022-23 season. His time at Lazio ended recently, opening the door for a move to Atalanta.
Atalanta will be looking to build on their recent success, having consistently challenged for European qualification in Serie A. Sarri’s first month will be dedicated to assessing the current squad, with the team scheduled to begin pre-season training in early July. The first competitive fixture will be the first leg of a Conference League playoff on August 20th. The combination of Sarri’s tactical acumen and Giuntoli’s recruitment expertise is expected to be a significant factor in Atalanta’s ambitions for the upcoming season, potentially solidifying their position as a top contender in Italian football.
