Palladino: ‘Destiny that my Atalanta debut is in hometown’

Raffaele Palladino admits it is ‘destiny’ he makes his Atalanta debut in his hometown against Napoli. ‘We have to wipe the slate clean and start again with self-esteem.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

La Dea knew it would be tough after nine years under Gian Piero Gasperini to begin a new project, but Ivan Juric was sacked after seven consecutive Serie A games without victory, including back-to-back defeats against Udinese and Sassuolo.

Palladino was chosen, as he is like Juric another coach who started out under mentor Gasperini.

Curiously, he makes his debut in his hometown of Naples and has many family members in the stands, whereas Atalanta supporters are banned due to previous crowd trouble.

“Destiny gives you these marvellous occasions, I had to begin again from Naples, from my city. It’s emotional to be here, but the objective tonight is for the team to put in a great performance,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

Giorgio Scalvini has been forced to delay his comeback yet again with a new muscular issue in training, but otherwise there is a full squad to choose from.

Both Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic are benched in favour of Mario Pasalic with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.

“I was able to work with these lads for two weeks, only with nine players for the first week and then the others arrived from international duty. What struck me is that they have great technical, physical and moral qualities.

“We need to work on everything, because obviously when there is a change of management, there is disappointment. We have to wipe the slate clean, start again with self-esteem and the knowledge this team can do well.

“We start from the small things, need a little patience, but these lads are working hard and will give their all.”

Curiously, Atalanta have won their last two Serie A trips to the Stadio Maradona, both by 3-0 scorelines in 2024.

“This is a club that in recent years has done incredible things, results that will be indelible in the history books,” continued Palladino.

“The President and directors are the first to arrive at the training ground every morning, it is a big family, and that includes the fans. We must be united to take Atalanta as far as possible, we’ve got what it takes, but need to get our heads down and work, because right now we are in 13th place.

“The DNA of Atalanta is what represented this club over the years and I want these players to take responsibility, to want to prove what they are really worth. I will battle by their side and together we will be stronger.”