TMW: Milan temptation behind Palladino’s chaotic summer – the reconstruction

By: Oliver Fisher

A report has revealed some of the background on Raffaele Palladino’s turbulent summer, mentioning AC Milan among other clubs.

TMW have provided a reconstruction of what has been a turbulent past few months for Palladino. Since he took over at Bologna, they have won five of seven games in the league – including at San Siro against Milan – to climb up to eighth in the league.

In the summer, Palladino turned down a long-term contract with Atalanta because he was linked with more prestigious jobs, but this left him without a job. Then, when Bologna parted ways with Domenico Tedesco, the Italian took his talents to Reggio Emilia and has not looked back.

Why didn’t he stay in Bergamo? The question arises naturally, considering the results obtained and qualification for the Conference despite a stuttering start. Palladino – after the victory against Borussia Dortmund – was considered the future for La Dea.

There was a contract ready to continue together until 2029, but everything seemed to turn sour. The three-year contract that was then offered to Maurizio Sarri, because Atalanta needed a decision quickly and Palladino wanted time to reflect.

His contract with Atalanta expired in 2027, and he wasn’t in a hurry to sign another. The second thoughts didn’t sit well with Atalanta but Palladino later backtracked, offering to accept the previous contract, even offering to shorten it to 2028.

Meanwhile, Atalanta’s league performance worsened and they failed to reach the Coppa Italia final, against Sarri himself. Relations, now strained, finally broke down.

The truth is that the former Monza coach was waiting to see which vacancies came up. Napoli in particular were a club he was monitoring closely, when Antonio Conte announced his departure. Palladino, along with Vincenzo Italiano, was a strong name.

There could also have been an opportunity at Milan when Massimiliano Allegri departed. However, as is known, the Rossoneri decided to pursue Andoni Iraola and then turned to Ruben Amorim, clearly not inclined to bet on a coach who knows the league. Palladino would have been keen, it seems.