Palladino waits for new chance as Juventus’ first choice clear

Raffaele Palladino was not a genuine candidate for the Juventus job as Luciano Spalletti was always the Bianconeri’s priority, given that Damien Comolli met an intermediary close to the ex-Italy coach before the game against Lazio.

Juventus are set to appoint Spalletti as their new coach, having reached an agreement with the Italian tactician on Tuesday.

Despite reports, Palladino was never a serious candidate for the Juventus job as the Bianconeri’s first option was always the ex-Italy coach.

Sources with direct knowledge of the matter tell me that an intermediary very close to Spalletti met with Juventus director Damien Comolli in Rome on Saturday, before Igor Tudor’s eventual final game in charge of the Old Lady, against Lazio.

It is also not confirmed that a part of the Juventus dressing room pushed for the appointment of Palladino, so the ex-Fiorentina and Monza coach is now waiting for a new chance.

The former striker has already rejected some offers from foreign clubs and could turn out to be a regret for Atalanta, who picked Ivan Juric instead of him in the summer.

Atalanta are still unbeaten in Serie A, but have collected seven draws in nine games.