Atalanta’s pre-season training began today with 33 players reporting for medical and physical tests, ahead of the arrival of manager Maurizio Sarri. The club is shifting away from a 3-4-2-1 formation to a 4-3-3 system, with variations including 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-1-2, but maintaining a core of Italian players according to reports.
Luca Percassi, Atalanta’s CEO, appointed Sarri and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli to reshape the club’s identity. Key players such as Gianluca Scamacca, Giorgio Scalvini, Marco Carnesecchi, and Giacomo Raspadori are central to the project, with the club fending off interest from other teams for their services. The club is considering contract extensions for both Scamacca and Scalvini, whose current deals expire in June 2028, potentially adding a year to their agreements.
Scamacca, who was Atalanta’s top scorer last season with 14 goals, will be looking to build on that form despite some injury concerns that limited his playing time. The club hopes he can maintain his goalscoring record while increasing his overall minutes on the pitch. Carnesecchi, the goalkeeper, is also a key figure, attracting attention from other clubs, but Atalanta has emphasized his importance to the team.
Atalanta are also nearing the completion of a deal for Gianluca Gaetano, a midfielder from Cagliari. The transfer, expected to be around €14-15 million plus variables, will make Gaetano Sarri’s first signing. The deal has been progressing through weekend discussions, with the clubs reportedly closing the gap in valuation. The acquisition of Gaetano signals Sarri’s intent to strengthen the midfield ahead of the new season, and he is expected to join training later this week. The potential loan of Daniel Maldini is a separate consideration, financially independent of the Gaetano deal.
This influx of talent and strategic shift in formation aims to establish a new era for Atalanta under Sarri’s leadership, building upon a foundation of Italian talent and ambition.
