Atalanta appear set to make a change in the dugout, with the dismissal of head coach Ivan Juric now considered imminent following the heavy defeat to Sassuolo. The loss has further weakened Juric’s position, which had already been under pressure despite the recent Champions League victory over Marseille. The club’s league form and overall trajectory have prompted the Atalanta board to move towards a new direction.
The leading candidate to replace him is Raffaele Palladino, who is currently the favourite and considered to be in advanced discussions with the club. Palladino, who previously coached Fiorentina, is understood to be ready to take charge in Bergamo and continue working along the tactical lines shaped in recent years under Gian Piero Gasperini. According to reports, negotiations are now at an advanced stage, with a contract expected to run until 2027. His prospective coaching staff would include Stefano Citterio as assistant and former Atalanta defender Federico Peluso among the technical team.
Contrary to speculation, Thiago Motta was never seriously considered for the role. While his departure would have eased Juventus’s wage bill, Atalanta did not pursue him as an option.
If confirmed, this will mark Juric’s third departure in a year. On 10 November 2024, Roma announced his exit after twelve matches (four wins, five defeats and two draws). In December, he took charge of Southampton but left in April after a difficult spell of sixteen matches, with only two wins. His current run at Atalanta stands at fifteen matches, resulting in four victories, eight draws and three defeats.
After the defeat to Sassuolo, Juric acknowledged responsibility but insisted publicly that he was not worried about his position. “The responsibility always lies with the coach, whether things go well or badly. Both the players and I admitted to the supporters that we were not at the required level. The rumours about my job? I am not worried. On Wednesday, we were thrilled with the win in Marseille, feeling capable of competing with anyone. Now the mood is the opposite.”
Despite those words, the club appears convinced that change is necessary. Further updates are expected as contract details with Palladino are finalised.
