Ademola Lookman’s club, Atalanta, have announced 41-year-old Italian manager Raffaele Palladino as new head coach after parting ways with Ivan Juric a couple of days ago, Footynaija.com reports.
Despite his seemingly young age, Palladino arrives at Bergamo with plenty of experience having previously coached the likes of Fiorentina and Monza in Serie A.
Confirming the appointment, a statement on Atalanta’s official website read: “Atalanta BC is delighted to announce the appointment of Raffaele Palladino as the new Head Coach of the First Team. Palladino has signed a contract with Atalanta running until 30 June 2027.
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“He will be joined by Stefano Citterio (assistant coach), Federico Peluso (technical collaborator), Fabio Corabi (fitness coach), Nicola Riva (assistant fitness coach), Andrea Ramponi (match analyst), and Mattia Casella (match analyst).
“In addition, Palladino will be assisted by the following members of staff, who have been with the club since the start of the season: Cristian Raimondi (technical collaborator), Marco Savorani (goalkeeper coach), Sabino Oliva (assistant goalkeeper coach), Marcello Iaia (specialist analyst of performance analyst), Stefano Brambilla (match analyst), and Andrea Vigni (fitness coach assistant).
“The Percassi and Pagliuca families, along with everyone at the club, extend a warm welcome to Raffaele Palladino and his staff as they join the Nerazzurri family.”
Palladino inherits a 13th placed La Dea side struggling for form and confidence in Serie A, hence, his immediate task will be to rejuvenate the team and get them to start winning games as soon as possible.
The newly minted Atalanta boss will also have the task of getting Lookman back to his mesmerizing best, seeing as the reigning African Player of the Year has struggled to hit his best levels so far this season.
Couldn’t have said it better myself.