Journalist Alessandro Pagliarini: Sarri's Atalanta Move Considered Before Gasperini's Departure

Despite a challenging previous season where Atalanta finished seventh and missed out on Europa League football, La Dea has made a strong start to the current campaign.

With the arrival of former Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri and an active transfer market, Atalanta has secured six out of a possible nine points in their opening three league matches. They achieved consecutive wins against Sassuolo and Bologna, followed by a narrow 2-1 loss to Roma.

Throughout these early games, Atalanta has displayed the grit and attacking flair characteristic of the Italian tactician, evident from his early days in Bergamo.

As Atalanta has become a major talking point this season, journalist Alessandro Pagliarini from Prima Bergamo shared his insights on the club with Get Italian Football News.

Pagliarini began by detailing the behind-the-scenes process of Maurizio Sarri's appointment and Cristiano Giuntoli's role in persuading him to join La Dea.

"The idea of bringing Maurizio Sarri to Bergamo wasn't a recent development; it was already considered in 2025, following the end of Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure. However, after internal club deliberations and discussions with the squad at that time, the decision was made to prioritize continuity by appointing Ivan Juric. The objective was to avoid disrupting the significant work Gasperini had built over nine years, maintaining consistency in playing philosophy and, as much as possible, tactical setup."

"Circumstances then changed. Juric's tenure did not yield the anticipated results, and the subsequent period under Raffaele Palladino also proved insufficient to recapture the identity and conviction that had defined Atalanta in previous years. At that point, a more in-depth assessment and the envisioning of a fresh start became necessary."

"So yes, Giuntoli played a crucial role in the decision, but I wouldn't describe it as a decision made by a single individual. Sarri was a name Atalanta had considered before; Giuntoli's arrival simply created the conditions for that idea to become a reality."

"There's also an interesting aspect to their relationship. Giuntoli contacted Sarri almost immediately, and the coach gave him his word. Even though the possibility of returning to the Napoli bench arose in the meantime, Sarri honored the commitment he had made to Giuntoli and Atalanta. He chose Bergamo because he had given his word and believed in the project."

"I believe this is a vital point: it wasn't simply about selecting a high-profile coach. It was the choice of a coach who already knew Giuntoli, trusted him, and saw Atalanta as the ideal club for a new beginning. During his presentation, Sarri himself highlighted how impressed he was by the club's determination to sign him and his long-standing respect for the Percassi family and the organization."

"In this regard, Giuntoli's role was decisive, particularly in transforming a past consideration of Atalanta into a concrete reality: the need for change, yes, but change driven by a clear and distinct sporting project."

Pagliarini also offered his perspective on Atalanta's acquisition of Kristensen from Udinese to strengthen the defense.

"Integrating him won't be straightforward, as Kristensen comes from a system where he primarily played in a back three with a strong emphasis on man-marking. Everything changes under Sarri: the four-man defense relies mainly on zonal marking, meaning reference points, spacing, and movements are all different. Consequently, it will take time for him to internalize these mechanisms."

"That said, he is a young player with considerable room for development. He possesses an impressive physique and long limbs that allow him to cover a lot of ground, and he is very strong in the air. I believe he represents a calculated gamble by Giuntoli—a player with interesting attributes who needs to be molded to fit Sarri's style of football."

"Sarri himself has admitted that he doesn't know him well yet and that integrating him tactically will take time. That's why I believe patience is key: if he can quickly grasp the new principles, he could become a key player for Atalanta."

Furthermore, Pagliarini discussed the revamped midfield at Sarri's disposal, with La Dea securing the returns of Franck Kessié, Gianluca Gaetano, and Elif Elmas.

"On paper, I believe this is the strongest midfield Atalanta has ever had. The players offer different skill sets but, crucially, complement each other, which is a significant advantage for Sarri."

"Kessié can do almost anything: whether playing as a box-to-box midfielder or as a deep-lying playmaker, it makes no difference; he can make an impact in any role. Beyond his technical and physical attributes, he brings a level of international experience few in Bergamo can match: he has won major trophies, played for Milan and Barcelona, and captains his national team. A leader of this caliber elevates the squad's quality and instills a winning mentality in the dressing room."

"Elmas, meanwhile, is perhaps an underrated signing; he is a true utility player capable of filling multiple roles, and his characteristics align perfectly with Sarri's style of football. Gaetano represents more of a gamble: he has only played as a playmaker in recent months at Cagliari, yet he has demonstrated the quality and intelligence to handle the role. Both Sarri and Giuntoli have great faith in him, and he still has plenty of room to grow."

"Then there are the established players: the evergreen Pašalić; the dynamic Ederson—who is now the captain; and Samardžić, whom Sarri is trying to bring the best out of in a new position."

"Overall, in terms of quality, versatility, and all-around balance, I believe Atalanta has assembled one of the strongest midfields in Serie A."

Finally, Pagliarini offered his opinion on Atalanta's significant signing of Jonathan Rowe from Bologna for the forward line.

"He was crucial. Since Lookman's departure, Atalanta has lacked a player with those characteristics: a fast attacking winger, capable of taking on players one-on-one, creating overloads, and shooting with both feet. One of those players who, with an individual moment, can decide a match. Raspadori has important qualities, but he is a player with different characteristics."

"That's why I believe Jonathan Rowe was the ideal candidate to fill that void. The negotiations were long and arduous, but Atalanta went all-in on him, making him the most expensive acquisition in the club's history. This demonstrates how much the club believed in his abilities."

"The only unknown factor might be his personality, which has been a bit volatile at times. But I believe Sarri could be the right coach to manage him and, above all, to enhance his qualities."

"Now, of course, the pitch will tell the story. But given his characteristics and potential, I think Rowe could prove to be a great signing for Atalanta."