Pioli emerges as frontrunner to replace Gasperini at Atalanta | OneFootball

Stefano Pioli has emerged as a leading candidate to take over at Atalanta following Gian Piero Gasperini’s expected departure after nine years in charge.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Milan coach is gaining significant traction within the club as they begin the search for a new head coach after Gasperini has seemingly expressed his desire to leave, starting talks with Roma.

epa12095081 Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini celebrates winning the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma, in Bergamo, Italy, 12 May 2025. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

Atalanta identify Pioli as prime candidate for head coach role after Gasperini

While Atalanta are said to be in a key phase of internal evaluations, taking the necessary time to identify the ideal profile, Pioli’s experience, tactical intelligence and track record—highlighted by his 2022 Serie A title with Milan—make him an appealing option for the club’s ownership.

The 59-year-old is reportedly the top choice at this stage, but his current contract with Saudi side Al-Nassr, running until June 2027, presents a potential hurdle as any move would require negotiations to explore a possible early termination of his deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates victory with his coach Stefano Pioli after winning the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Riyadh and Al-Nassr at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad on November 8, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

However, there is growing confidence that Pioli could be the man to lead the Dea into their next chapter, although there were rumours that an interest from Atalanta could also be among the reasons that saw Raffaele Palladino suddenly resign as Fiorentina coach.