In a swift and decisive move, Atalanta sacks coach Ivan Juric only after five months at the club, following a 3-0 loss to Sassuolo. The Croatian manager’s tenure was cut short by poor results, which left the team in 13th place in Serie A news, well out of the European places the club wished to achieve.
It has left many fans and analysts asking what happened to a side that could once run away with the league. And the most important one being ‘who can aid in the restoration of Atalanta’s attacking prowess?’
Reports from Bergamo suggest Raffaele Palladino is the frontrunner to replace the former Atalanta manager.
Atalanta Sacks Coach Ivan Juric Following His Struggling Tenure
In June 2025, Ivan Juric was hired to replace Gian Piero Gasperini, and his challenge was to mirror the energy and attacking mindset of his predecessor’s nine-year reign. Eventually, the team combined for only two wins in 11 league matches and extended their winless streak to eight matches overall.
Atalanta BC suffered a heavy 3-0 home defeat to US Sassuolo, with goals in the 29th (penalty), 47th, and 66th minutes sealing a troubling result for the Bergamo side.
The loss to Sassuolo was ultimately the turning point. Club officials apparently decided to terminate Juric immediately following full-time. They announced that he was leaving the club and thanked him for his “professionalism and commitment,” but reiterated a “need for change.”
SUGGESTED READ: Jack Grealish Joins Everton on Loan from Man City
It was always going to be hard to fill Gasperini’s shoes. Under him, Atalanta rose to the mid-table regulars. The highlight of the Gasperini era was the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League trophy, after defeating Bayer Leverkusen 3–0 in the final.
Gasperini was a 3-4-2-1 system, strong pressing, and attacking flair, which resulted in some record-breaking games, one of the examples coming from Gasparini who scored 98 goals in Serie A in 2019/ 20 – the most goals scored by an Italian club in 60 years.
The club was unable to build any rhythm or have coordinated pressing or attacking play, leading players like Teun Koopmeiners and Ademola Lookman to feel isolated at pivotal moments of matches under Atalanta’s manager, Ivan Juric.
But why did the former manager fail? While Juric enacted a pressing structure with stiff design, Atalanta’s attacks broke down in the final third.
Moreover, defensive transitions were slow, giving the opposing team plenty of goal scoring gaps. On average Atalanta scored only one goal per game. This culminated in a seemingly reduced energy and efficiency, resulting in the headline Atlanta Sacks coach Ivan Juric.
Who Could Replace Juric?
Bergamo reports suggest Raffaele Palladino is the frontrunner for the position. Palladino possesses attacking football with a progressive style and a desire to develop players, making him a perfect fit for the club’s long-term philosophy. Many names have been speculated as replacements for Gian Piero Gasperini, but Palladino is expected to be named head coach before the match against Napoli on November 22.
The decision signifies the club’s ambition and desire to bring back structure, identity, and attacking football while keeping European aspirations alive. Fans are hopeful that Palladino is able to re-energize the squad and bring excitement back to Atalanta like the experience under Atalanta’s manager Ivan.
A Turning Point as Atalanta Sacks Coach Ivan Juric
The firing of Juric illustrates Atalanta’s high expectations. Even if European qualification remains possible, the club is interested in short-term stability and decisiveness. Whoever replaces Juric must see results in a short timeframe, while also developing the club’s style of high-tempo, vertical football.
The decision to sack Ivan Juric’ clearly states the organization’s priorities: there would be no concession on style or performance, while the next manager will face the task of re-establishing the club in a competitive position.
ALSO READ: Indonesia Sacks Coach Shin, Eyes FIFA World Cup 2026
Amit Mishra’s Take
From my perspective, the news Atalanta sacks coach Ivan Juric illustrates just how challenging it can be to follow in the shadow of Gian Piero Gasperini. Juric and his team had a difficult time achieving an attacking pattern, and the team’s results suffered.
Now, with important matches on the horizon against Napoli (22 Nov), Eintracht Frankfurt (26 Nov), and Fiorentina (30 Nov), it raises the main question: can Raffaele Palladino bring back a fearless, energetic style of play that fans adore, or is Bergamo entering a new chapter in Serie A news?
Read more on Jeetwin Sports and stay updated on upcoming news on Atalanta.
