Atalanta considered hiring Maurizio Sarri before the 2026 season

Atalanta appointed Maurizio Sarri as head coach following a period of coaching changes that included Ivan Juric and Raffaele Palladino. Journalist Alessandro Pagliarini stated that the club previously considered hiring Sarri after the tenure of Gian Piero Gasperini ended in 2025, but initially prioritized continuity with Juric. The eventual hiring was facilitated by the arrival of Cristiano Giuntoli, who helped secure a commitment from the coach. Atalanta holds six points from its first three league matches, including two wins against Sassuolo and Bologna and a 2-1 loss to Roma. The club also signed Kristensen from Udinese to strengthen the defense, though the player faces an adjustment period moving from a three-man backline to Sarri’s four-man system.

• 10:10 PMYahoo Sports — Interview I Journalist Alessandro Pagliarini: “​​Bringing Sarri to Atalanta did not originate this summer, had already been considered following Gasperini’s tenure”