Atalanta Manager Ivan Juric Set for Exit as Raffaele Palladino Lined Up

Atalanta Manager Ivan Juric Faces Imminent Dismissal

Atalanta manager Ivan Juric is on the verge of being sacked, with the Serie A club already in advanced talks with Raffaele Palladino as his replacement. The move follows a string of disappointing results in both Serie A and the Champions League, as mounting pressure from the board and fans has made Juric’s position increasingly untenable.

Poor Start in Serie A and Champions League Puts Juric Under Pressure

Juric’s tenure at Atalanta has sharply declined following a disastrous start to the 2025/26 campaign. The recent 3-0 home defeat to Sassuolo proved to be the final blow, as reports from Calciomercato and local media indicate that the decision to part ways with Juric is imminent. Despite dominating possession with 66%, Atalanta failed to convert chances and managed just two shots on target, while goals from Domenico Berardi and Andrea Pinamonti sealed their fate.

The defeat not only leaves Atalanta languishing in 13th place in Serie A but also highlights a worrying trend: just 13 points from 11 matches—far below expectations for a club that has regularly competed for European positions. In the Champions League, the team has managed a modest seven points from four games, but their inconsistent domestic form has overshadowed any continental progress.

Breakdown of Relationships Accelerates Atalanta Manager Ivan Juric’s Departure

Tensions have been evident both on and off the pitch. Juric’s relationship with the club’s ownership and supporters has deteriorated, with reports suggesting a lack of chemistry and trust. The club’s American co-owner, Stephen Pagliuca, was present at the Gewiss Stadium to witness the dismal performance against Sassuolo, reportedly prompting urgent discussions and late-night meetings about the club’s direction.

This breakdown in internal relationships has made Juric’s position unsustainable, and sources suggest he was already on thin ice before the latest defeat. The lack of support from key decision-makers and the fanbase has forced Atalanta’s hand, setting the stage for a managerial change.

Raffaele Palladino Set to Take Over as Atalanta Manager

In anticipation of Juric’s departure, Atalanta have moved swiftly to secure Raffaele Palladino as their next manager. Negotiations are reportedly at an advanced stage, with Palladino expected to bring stability and familiarity to the club’s tactical setup. A former Fiorentina coach and a student of Gian Piero Gasperini, Palladino has also had success at Monza, guiding them to two consecutive Serie A safeties, and led Fiorentina to a seventh-place league finish and a Conference League semi-final.

This appointment signals Atalanta’s intent to return to a footballing philosophy rooted in Gasperini’s influence—emphasizing tactical discipline, dynamic attacking play, and unity within the squad. Palladino, who was once a teammate of Juric at Genoa, is well-versed in the demands of Serie A and brings a track record of overachievement with limited resources.

Statistical Snapshot of Juric’s Atalanta Struggles

Juric’s record this season paints a gloomy picture. In 11 Serie A matches, Atalanta have registered just two wins and seven draws, scoring 13 goals while conceding 11. Their last league victory came on September 21, and since then, the club has picked up only five points from seven matches, with a meager four goals scored. The lack of attacking potency and defensive lapses have cost Atalanta dearly, pushing them further away from European qualification spots.

While some positives have emerged in Europe, including a strong showing against Marseille, it has not been enough to offset underperformance in the league. The club’s ambition to consistently compete on multiple fronts has faltered under Juric’s leadership, making change inevitable.

What Lies Ahead for Atalanta After Ivan Juric?

An official announcement regarding Juric’s sacking and Palladino’s appointment is expected soon. Palladino’s immediate challenge will be to galvanize a squad lacking confidence and direction, restore morale, and re-engage a disillusioned fanbase. The new manager will also need to address tactical issues, especially improving goal output and tightening defensive organization, areas where Atalanta have struggled recently.

With a packed fixture schedule that includes crucial Serie A and Champions League matches, the margin for error is slim. Palladino’s task is to quickly implement his philosophy and get results, aiming to steer Atalanta back towards the upper echelons of Italian football.

For more details and continuous updates on Atalanta and Serie A, visit for more news.

Opinion: Change Necessary for Atalanta’s Ambitions

In my view, Atalanta’s decision to act swiftly and decisively reflects the high stakes and ambitions of the club. Juric’s approach failed to yield the desired results, and the appointment of Palladino, steeped in the Gasperini style, could be exactly what’s needed to restore stability and rekindle European dreams. The next few weeks will be decisive, and the right leadership could make all the difference.