Who Should Raffaele Palladino Sign In January? New Atalanta Manager Eyes-Up Major Changes In Bergamo

Atalanta have appointed former Fiorentina manager, Raffaele Palladino, after parting ways with Ivan Juric and we have looked into who the Italian coach could sign in the January transfer window.

Why Did Atalanta Appoint Raffaele Palladino?

La Dea decided to bring Ivan Juric’s time as Atalanta manager to an end after a run of seven matches without a win in Serie A, causing the Italian side to drop down to 13th in the table.

Failing to find three-points on a consistent basis, alongside a public fall-out with Ademola Lookman was enough to sever Juric’s ties with Atalanta.

Palladino’s appointment will bring a huge shift to the Atalanta set-up, as the Italian’s approach to the sport is very different to both Juric and Gasperini.

During his time with Fiorentina, Palladino utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation for the most part, but was also renowned for switching to a back-three on several occasions.

This system was then broken down into a 1-4-2-1-3, with the goalkeeper being a pivotal member of the build-up and allowing La Viola to maintain control while advancing into attacking areas.

Another key member of Palladino’s approach is the full-back, as both players are used in specialist roles and contributed to both aspects of soccer – defense and attack.

One full-back will invert into midfield to find an extra man in the center of the pitch and help during the build-up, while the other is pushed high and wide to offer width in attack.

Palladino was deemed a major success in Florence and La Viola were hoping to extend his deal, but the 47-year-old decided to move on after a falling out with the clubs’ board.

His deal with Atalanta is set to run until June 2027 and one of his first tasks will be to decide on Ademola Lookman’s future in Bergamo, as the Nigerian is still keen on a move away in January.

Lookman’s possible exit during the may be the biggest talking-point, but Palladino will also be on the hunt for some fresh signings during his first transfer window as Atalanta boss.

Who Should Raffaele Palladino Sign For Atalanta In January?

Moise Kean

Signing Moise Kean would have been a monumental task for any European side during the summer transfer window, as the Italian striker scored 19 goals in Serie A last season.

This was the second-highest tally in the league, behind former Atalanta star, Matteo Retegui (26), and Kean achieved this feat under the management of Palladino.

Kean was Palladino’s most expensive signing during his time with La Viola and the Italian coach found a way to get the best out of his star asset after a difficult spell in Europe.

The Fiorentina star has struggled to replicate his form from last season during the 2025/26 campaign so far, as Kean has scored just two goals in 10 Serie A appearances.

Despite this run of poor form, Kean has been selected in Italy’s latest squad and will be hoping to secure World Cup qualification with the Azzurri.

Kean’s performances this season have been symbolic of Fiorentina’s display in Italy so far, as La Viola have failed to win a single league match and sit bottom of the table.

Stefano Pioli was relieved of his duties and this uncertainty in Florence could push the Italian striker into a move this January – a situation that Palladino will be monitoring closely.

Diogo Dalot 

As we have previously touched on, Palladino’s system requires a lot from his full-backs, as one must be able to provide with high up the pitch and the other must invert into midfield.

One player that fulfills both of these categories is Manchester United full-back, Diogo Dalot, as the Portuguese defender has been utilized in a plethora of systems during his time in England.

While playing under Erik ten Hag, Dalot was often asked to invert and offer support in the midfield, putting in a strong performance against Liverpool during the 2023/24 season.

Currently, Dalot is being deployed as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim and has played on either flank, but his performances have been far from perfect.

The 26-year-old has made nine appearances in the Premier League this season, playing on the left-hand side five times and on the right-hand side four times.

Amorim decided to drop the Portuguese star from the starting eleven during United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham last time out, after the defender’s underwhelming performances.

His deal in Manchester is set to expire in June 2028, meaning Atalanta would need to provide a substantial bid to tempt the Red Devils into a sale mid-way through the season.

Federico Chiesa 

Federico Chiesa’s time with Liverpool appears to be all-but over after failing to make a single start in the Premier League this season and reportedly pushing for a return to Serie A in January.

The former Juventus star recently declined the chance to play for Italy in their upcoming WC Qualifiers, as Chiesa’s future with the Azzurri remains unclear.

Several Serie A sides have thrown their name into the hat to sign the Italian this January, with Juventus, Napoli and Atalanta all keeping tabs on the 28-year-old.

La Dea have struggled for goals in Serie A this season, failing to score in two consecutive matches and exceeding one goal in just two fixtures so far.

Chiesa contributed to 91 goals in 235 Serie A appearances during his time in Italy (47G + 44A), meaning he would be a huge goal threat for Atalanta.

According to reports, Liverpool are willing to let Chiesa go in the January window and are happy for the deal to be a loan move or permanent transfer.