Raffaele Palladino believes he has created 'magic' with Atalanta after their 3-2 win against Milan, but he is uncertain about his future with the club.
Key points
Raffaele Palladino feels he created 'magic' with Atalanta players
Atalanta won 3-2 against Milan
The team had poor form before the Milan match
Atalanta exited Coppa Italia semi-finals to Lazio
Palladino hopes the club appreciates his work
AtalantaMilanLazio
Palladino: ‘Atalanta magic and I hope club appreciates my work’
Palladino: ‘Atalanta magic and I hope club appreciates my work’
Raffaele Palladino feels he has created ‘magic’ with the Atalanta players after their 3-2 victory away to Milan, but is still not sure about his future. ‘I hope the club appreciates my work.’
La Dea had been in poor form coming into San Siro with two points from four rounds plus their Coppa Italia semi-final exit to Lazio on penalties.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan runs with the ball while under pressure from Isak Hien of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Perhaps Atalanta felt a bit too comfortable, because they risked throwing it all away in the final stages, the Strahinja Pavlovic header and Christopher Nkunku penalty making the final score 3-2.
Palladino thankful to Atalanta players
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Giacomo Raspadori of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This evening I must thank the lads, as they put in a great performance, risking practically nothing in the first half,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“I said it in the dressing room, but I want to say it publicly, this was the response of a great squad that is working in the same direction. They received some criticism this week, but gave their response on the field.
“It’s a pity about the closing minutes, as we deserved to be 3-0 up, but Milan threw strikers on, scored with a set play and a penalty. It was good to win even when suffering.”
Atalanta are now solidly in seventh place, which will be enough for qualification to the Conference League only if Lazio lose the Coppa Italia Final to Inter on Wednesday.
It is less than they were accustomed to, but a lot considering how badly things were going when Palladino took over from Ivan Juric.
“A real magic has been created between me and these players, which was not to be taken for granted, as they felt unmotivated and sad when I arrived. We managed to get to the Champions League Round of 16 and the Coppa Italia semi-final too.
“I want what is best for the players, for the fans and for Atalanta, as they all deserve a strong Atalanta.”
Incredibly, Atalanta had not won back-to-back games away to Milan in Serie A since 1943, but have now picked up five victories and two draws against the Rossoneri in all competition since a 2-0 loss in February 2023.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 10: Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on May 10, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
There are strong reports now that director of sport Tony D’Amico will leave this summer, and the coach could well be changed too if they do not share the same vision for the future.
“I am not thinking about my future, but the present, and I need to end this season well. I’ve given my all for this club, I think that has been appreciated by the players and the fans, I hope to be appreciated by the club. I do not have regrets,” noted Palladino.
“I work day and night, the club will evaluate at the end of the season, but the greatest satisfaction is the response from these lads. They deserve the focus, not me.”
There were some worries, because Giorgio Scalvini limped off with an ankle sprain, then his replacement Odilon Kossounou also sustained a muscular injury.
Isak Hien was booked and will be suspended against Bologna, so there is a definite shortage of defenders.
