Atalanta Sack Ivan Juric After Poor Serie A Start

Atalanta Sack Ivan Juric: Club Parts Ways After Disappointing Serie A Run

Atalanta sack Ivan Juric following a turbulent start to their Serie A campaign, ending his tenure just five months after he replaced the iconic Gian Piero Gasperini. The Croatian head coach managed only two victories in eleven league matches, leaving Atalanta in 13th place and far off the European qualification spots that had become standard during Gasperini’s reign.

Ivan Juric’s Short-Lived Atalanta Era Ends Abruptly

The decision to sack Ivan Juric was made swiftly after a demoralizing 3-0 home defeat to Sassuolo, which stretched Atalanta’s winless run in Serie A to eight consecutive games. Juric, who was appointed in June 2025 with the aim of preserving Gasperini’s legacy, struggled to impose his tactical vision and maintain the attacking intensity that fans in Bergamo had grown to expect. Atalanta’s attacking edge dulled; defensive weaknesses became increasingly apparent, and the club fell eleven points behind league leaders Inter Milan after only eleven rounds.

Club officials thanked Juric and his staff for their effort and professionalism in an official statement, admitting the necessity for a change ahead of a demanding winter period. Plans for his departure were set into motion soon after the loss to Sassuolo, with local press in Bergamo quickly pointing to Raffaele Palladino as the favorite to take over as head coach.

Comparing Juric and Gasperini: High Expectations, Harsh Realities

Succeeding Gian Piero Gasperini, whose nine-year tenure transformed Atalanta into European contenders, was always going to be a daunting task. Gasperini’s high-pressing, attack-minded 3-4-2-1 system delivered historic results, including three consecutive top-three Serie A finishes, a record 98-goal season in 2019/20, and, most notably, the club’s Europa League triumph in 2024.

Juric’s appointment was intended to ensure continuity, but instead, Atalanta experienced inconsistency, tactical ambiguity, and diminished team morale. The sharp contrast in playing style and results became apparent as Atalanta settled into mid-table mediocrity—a far cry from the relentless and cohesive squads seen under Gasperini.

Why Juric’s Approach Fell Short

From the outset, Juric struggled to establish tactical coherence within the squad. Atalanta’s famed high press lost its synchronization, while defensive organization crumbled under pressure. A string of six draws followed by consecutive losses to Udinese and Sassuolo exposed a lack of clarity in Juric’s system. The team’s creative spark faded, with key players like Gianluca Scamacca, Ademola Lookman, and Teun Koopmeiners unable to recapture their best form.

Juric’s dismissal echoes his previous short-lived managerial spells at Roma and Southampton, compounding the sense of instability surrounding his recent coaching career.

Atalanta Sack Ivan Juric: Palladino Poised to Take Charge

The focus now shifts to Raffaele Palladino, identified as the leading candidate to step into the Atalanta hot seat. At just 41, Palladino has developed a strong reputation as a forward-thinking, disciplined tactician—qualities that align well with Atalanta’s footballing philosophy. His coaching journey began with Monza’s youth ranks in 2019; by 2022, he had taken charge of the first team, famously leading them to a shock win over Juventus in his debut.

Palladino’s impact at Monza set the stage for a successful stint with Fiorentina, where he guided the club to a sixth-place finish and UEFA Conference League qualification in 2024/25. Known for favoring aggressive transitions, dynamic wing-backs, and tactical flexibility—often utilizing formations similar to Atalanta’s preferred 3-4-2-1—Palladino appears well-suited to restore the intensity that defined Gasperini’s era.

Palladino’s Task: Restoring Identity and Results

With Atalanta’s upcoming trip to Napoli after the international break, Palladino’s immediate mission will be to stabilize the squad and reenergize a team whose confidence has visibly waned. Reinstating tactical clarity and unlocking the attacking potential of players like Scamacca and Lookman will be crucial if Atalanta are to climb back into European contention.

Where Does Atalanta Go From Here?

The abrupt end to Ivan Juric’s tenure is a stark reminder of the high expectations at Atalanta after years of overachievement under Gasperini. For more news on Atalanta’s managerial change and Serie A updates, visit our homepage for more news.

Opinion: Was the Decision Too Soon?

While the decision to sack Juric may seem harsh given the short time frame, the stark drop in performance and the weight of Gasperini’s legacy left Atalanta’s hierarchy little choice. Palladino will inherit a talented but underperforming squad—and with the right tactical tweaks, Atalanta could quickly rediscover their signature style and competitive edge. Only time will tell if this bold change will restore Atalanta’s place among Italy’s elite.