Atalanta’s Revival Under Raffaele Palladino

Atalanta welcomes a reconstruction phase under the guidance of Raffaele Palladino, a coach with a promising future at just 41 years of age. Since taking over from Gian Piero Gasperini in November, Palladino has been tasked with revitalizing a team that once thrived under Gasperini’s long tenure of nine years. Gasperini’s departure left a significant void, and while Atalanta briefly appointed Ivan Juric, his term lasted only 157 days due to an inability to replicate the previous success.

During Gasperini’s leadership, Atalanta achieved notable honors including winning the Europa League in 2024 and finishing as runners-up in the Coppa Italia three times. His exit prompted the club to seek a new direction, leading to the short-lived Juric appointment, which faltered after a streak of six defeats and two draws. This led to a quick decision to part ways with Juric and place their trust in Palladino, a Napoli native who previously managed in Florence and Monza.

In his brief time at the helm, Palladino has reinvigorated the team, steering them to a solid fifth place in the Champions League standings with two matches remaining and recovering in Serie A with five victories in seven matches, including a significant win against Gasperini’s Roma. Luca Percassi, the club’s CEO, emphasized his commitment to Atalanta, stating, “I could have gone to any other team, but I waited for Atalanta.”

The atmosphere at the Bérgamo stadium reflects the renewed competitive spirit inherent to Atalanta, a club that boasts the motto “La maglia sudata sempre,” meaning “The shirt always sweated,” which is printed inside every official team jersey. This phrase symbolizes the dedication of the players and the club’s identity.

Luca Percassi, who serves as the general manager, represents the family’s deep connection to the club. Having initially played for Atalanta before moving to Chelsea as a youth, Percassi’s career on the pitch was short-lived, but his influence in management has been significant since he took over in 2010 when his father, Antonio Percassi, also a former player, acquired ownership.

The Percassi family has built a strong business foundation, with Antonio, 72, owning the holding company Odissea Srl, which has a substantial presence in the fashion retail sector, alongside ventures in food and fishing in San Marino. For them, Atalanta is more than just a football club; it is a cherished passion.