Atalanta have identified Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri as their primary target to replace Raffaele Palladino, according to reports in Italy. Palladino is expected to depart despite having a contract with the club until 2027, opening the door for a managerial change in Bergamo.
Sarri is currently under contract with Lazio until 2028, earning an annual salary of €2.5 million plus a €1 million bonus, however, a strained relationship with club president Claudio Lotito has fuelled speculation about a possible departure. A significant factor in Atalanta’s interest stems from the appointment of Cristiano Giuntoli as their new sporting director; the pair enjoyed a successful three-year working relationship at Napoli between 2015 and 2018.
Napoli are also monitoring Sarri’s situation as a potential replacement for Antonio Conte, although recent indications suggest Conte may remain at the club despite his future being uncertain. Conte is contracted to Napoli until 2027, earning €8 million per year, and a meeting with president Aurelio De Laurentiis is expected to determine his future. Should Conte stay, Sarri’s path to Atalanta would likely become clearer.
Elsewhere, Enzo Maresca is reportedly close to agreeing terms with Manchester City to succeed Pep Guardiola, should the current City manager decide to leave. Guardiola has one year remaining on his contract, earning €20 million annually, but is currently evaluating his desire to continue at the club. Vincenzo Italiano’s future at Bologna is also under review, with a meeting scheduled to discuss a potential continuation of their partnership. Should Italiano depart, Bologna may consider Daniele De Rossi, currently at Genoa, or Fabio Grosso, who manages Sassuolo.
Fiorentina are also searching for a new manager, with Paolo Vanoli set to leave at the end of his contract. Fabio Paratici is also exploring potential foreign options. Lazio are considering Sergio Conceicao, currently with Al Ittihad, alongside Grosso and Palladino. Should Grosso leave Sassuolo, Ignazio Abate, who recently led Juve Stabia in Serie B, is a potential candidate to take over.
