Raffaele Palladino revealed he had other calls but chose to wait for Atalanta as he prepares for his first match in charge against Serie A champions Napoli this Saturday.

Former Fiorentina boss Palladino was appointed as Ivan Juric's successor last week after a run of seven league games without a win, leaving Atalanta 13th in the standings.

The 41-year-old guided Fiorentina to their best Serie A finish since 2015-16 last season but left the club in May despite signing a contract extension three weeks earlier.

Now, Palladino is the man tasked with turning Atalanta's fortunes around, an opportunity he is relishing ahead of a trip to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. 

"I spent the last few months studying and growing as a coach. I received other calls too, but I waited for Atalanta," Palladino said at his unveiling.

"I didn't hesitate to say yes, as we have the same objectives. I think this city deserves to have a team that battles for every ball, reflecting the spirit of the citizens of Bergamo."

Atalanta had become accustomed to being in the Champions League under former boss Gian Piero Gasperini but face a struggle to reach Europe's elite competition this term.

"In my first meetings with the players, I tried to focus on the intensity and DNA of Atalanta. We don't have much time, but we must get the maximum results," Palladino added.

"Our target is European qualification. The squad is strong, the club made some great signings, and I think this team must do more. I believe in the strength of these players."

But Palladino's first Serie A assignment does not come tougher than Napoli, who are fourth in the league standings and just two points adrift of leaders Inter.

Antonio Conte's team are, however, winless in their last three games across all competitions, and were beaten 2-0 by Bologna heading into the final international break of 2025. 

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis rubbished speculation over Conte's future at the club last week after reports emerged the Italian's position was under threat. 

Conte led Napoli to their second Serie A title in the space of three seasons last term, but they have struggled to maintain those performances, particularly in the Champions League.

However, Matteo Politano revealed that he has improved under Conte's stewardship, and believes he is the man to turn their recent slump around, though he acknowledged that under new management, Atalanta would pose a huge threat. 

"Conte absolutely improved me as a player, above all in the importance of the spirit of sacrifice," Politano said. 

"Along with the coach, we will analyse the mistakes that were made so that we can go forward. 

"It's still a long season ahead of us and the next month is going to be crucial.

"We've got to see the best Napoli in every game. Atalanta are a strong opponent and will be making their debut under a new coach, so they'll certainly be fired up."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Napoli – Scott McTominay

After his stunning bicycle kick helped send Scotland to their first World Cup in 28 years in their 4-2 victory over Denmark, last season's Serie A MVP Scott McTominay will be hoping to recapture his goal-scoring form in the Italian top-flight. 

Indeed, the midfielder is without a goal involvement in his last three Serie A appearances for Napoli. Last season, he only went on two separate four-game runs without contributing (between February and April 2025, and between October and November 2024).

Atalanta – Ademola Lookman

Palladino will be hoping to call on striker Ademola Lookman after the striker struggled for form under Juric this season, after failing to seal a move away during the summer. 

The new Atalanta boss said his playing time would be based on his attitude in training, but Napoli are a side that often brings the best out of the Nigerian international.

Lookman has scored five of his Serie A goals against Napoli – making the Partenopei, along with Empoli, his joint-most favoured opponent in the competition, including a brace at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on 3 November 2024.

MATCH PREDICTION: NAPOLI WIN

The most recent Serie A stalemate between Napoli and Atalanta came back in 2019, with the Partenopei winning six of the 11 league meetings since. This weekend's visitors have, however, netted at least two goals in each of their last three games against Napoli, a feat they only achieved in 2020 and 1958. 

But Conte's team have been imperious at home. Indeed, Napoli are unbeaten in their last 16 Serie A home matches (W12 D4) and, since the final weekend of 2024, are the only team across Europe's top five leagues in both seasons not to have lost a home league game in that time. 

However, there is cause for concern at the top end of the pitch. Napoli have failed to score in three of their last five league matches, as many times as in their previous 33 top-flight encounters, and are now without a goal in their last two – they last went three consecutive league matches without scoring between December 2023 and January 2024.

Atalanta, meanwhile, have failed to win any of their last seven Serie A matches (D5 L2) after winning two of their opening four (W2 D2), their longest winless run in the division since a 14-game streak between December 2015 and March 2016.

But they have often relished visits to Naples, with Atalanta winning their last two Serie A away games against Napoli by a 3-0 scoreline. They could secure three consecutive away wins against the Partenopei for the first time in their history. 

Atalanta have, however, won just one and drawn three of their first five away Serie A matches this season, failing to win at least two of their first six on the road in the Italian top flight for the first time since 2017-18, when they had zero victories.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Napoli – 43%

Draw – 27.8%

Atalanta – 29.2%