Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli has identified coach Maurizio Sarri as the club's most impactful signing of the summer transfer window. Speaking ahead of the team's final pre-season friendly against Club Athletic Bilbao at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, Giuntoli noted that the club successfully secured Sarri despite interest from other major contenders in Italy and beyond. This appointment marks a significant shift in philosophy for the club, as Sarri moves away from the three-man defensive system that defined the era of Gian Piero Gasperini, who managed the side for nine years.
Giuntoli, who previously worked with Sarri at Juventus, acknowledged that the transition will require patience. He emphasized that the club remains committed to building their project brick by brick with a vision extending through 2026. While the team must prepare for a Conference League play-off against Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Giuntoli remains optimistic about the team's future. He highlighted the retention of Ederson and the addition of midfielder Gianluca Gaetano as key moves, alongside the decision to allow Berat Djimsiti to depart, which subsequently led to the signing of the younger Thomas Kristensen.
Addressing transfer rumors, the director downplayed reports linking Atalanta to players such as Napoli winger Noa Lang, Como’s Assane Diao, and Cagliari’s Sebastiano Esposito. Giuntoli expressed full confidence in the current squad, stating that he does not believe his players have anything to envy in others. Regarding potential interest from Schalke 04 in defender Sead Kolasinac, the director maintained a diplomatic stance, noting that no formal inquiries have been made and that it is unproductive to discuss hypothetical scenarios at this stage. The club continues to monitor the market, remaining alert until the final moments of the window.
“We were ready for that and snapped up Kristensen, who is 10 years younger, because we are thinking about the future. Projects take time and patience, they must be built one brick at a time, but we’ll be alert to the very end of the market.”
“I’ll respond like this, I don’t think Raspadori, Zalewski, Sulemana and De Ketelaere have anything to envy anyone else. We are happy with the players we have, I don’t like talking about the players of other teams.”
