Maurizio Sarri is poised to become the new manager of Atalanta, with an agreement in place until June 30, 2029, according to reports in Italy. The announcement is expected imminently, though it is contingent on resolving the contract of current manager Raffaele Palladino.
Palladino guided Atalanta to a seventh-place finish in Serie A, securing qualification for the Conference League, after taking over mid-season. The club is keen to avoid having three managers simultaneously under contract – Palladino, Ivan Juric, and soon Sarri – and are currently in negotiations with Palladino to reach a mutually agreeable termination. Both Palladino and Juric have existing deals that run until June 30, 2027.
While awaiting official confirmation, Sarri is reportedly working remotely, familiarizing himself with the club’s facilities at Zingonia and beginning to plan for the upcoming season. The appointment of Cristiano Giuntoli as sporting director was the first indication of the club’s future direction, with owners Antonio and Luca Percassi and Stephen Pagliuca aiming to maintain a high level of performance while staying true to the club’s roots. Sarri’s arrival aligns with this vision.
The team’s preparation for the season, which includes a Conference League playoff in August and a Serie A kickoff later that month, is expected to begin around mid-July. This will allow Sarri, Giuntoli, and Percassi to assess the current squad, with a particular focus on strengthening the midfield. The potential departure of Ederson to Manchester United and a shift in tactical approach necessitate the addition of a regista and potentially a couple of central midfielders.
Atalanta already have Marten de Roon and Mario Pasalic capable of playing in those positions, and will also evaluate Lazar Samardzic. While Samardzic has shown talent, Sarri may consider adjusting his role to play slightly deeper. The club has invested significantly in the squad in recent years, providing Sarri with a strong base to work from before considering new signings.
