Raffaele Palladino has been sacked by Atalanta after just six months in charge despite leading the club to a seventh-placed finish in Serie A last season. 

Palladino signed a two-year contract in November last year when he was brought in to replace Ivan Juric after a run of seven league games without a victory. 

The former Monza and Fiorentina boss helped Atalanta secure Conference League football for 2026-27, though that was not enough to keep him in his position. 

It is expected that Maurizio Sarri, who left Lazio by mutual consent at the end of last season, is close to being appointed as his successor. 

"Atalanta announce that Raffaele Palladino has been relieved of his duties as First Team Head Coach, along with his coaching staff," the club said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Atalanta BC would like to thank Raffaele Palladino and his staff for their commitment, dedication and professionalism, wishing them every success in their future endeavours."

Palladino oversaw 39 matches in all competitions, winning 18 of those (D8 L13), averaging a win percentage of 46%, the second-best record of his managerial career. 

The Italian helped Atalanta reach the last 16 of the Champions League before they were dumped out by Bayern Munich after losing 10-2 on aggregate to Vincent Kompany's side. 

Atalanta also reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals, but fell short of a spot in the showpiece match as they lost on penalties to beaten finalists Lazio in the second leg.