BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 17: Raffaele Palladino Head coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC 1909 at Gewiss Stadium on May 17, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/Getty Images)
Atalanta have officially parted ways with Raffaele Palladino, bringing an end to a tenure that lasted just 39 matches and paving the way for the imminent appointment of Maurizio Sarri as the club’s new head coach.
The Bergamo club confirmed the decision in a brief official statement, thanking Palladino and his entire coaching staff for their commitment and professionalism.
Palladino had been appointed on 11 November 2025 as a replacement for the sacked Ivan Juric, signing a contract through to June 2027.
He inherited a side struggling in the lower reaches of the Serie A table and guided them to a sixth-place finish, securing Conference League football for next season.
Palladino leaves Atalanta with 18 wins from 39 games after Champions League and Coppa Italia runs
His record of 18 wins, eight draws and 13 defeats tells only part of the story.
Palladino also oversaw a Champions League run that ended at the hands of Bayern Munich in the Round of 16, and reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals before elimination on penalties against Lazio.
A respectable return for a coach parachuted into a difficult situation mid-season, but one the club have decided does not justify continuation given the direction they wish to take under Sarri.
Sarri’s official announcement is expected in the coming days once the contractual formalities are completed.