Why Atalanta picked Juric despite Roma and Southampton flops | OneFootball

Ivan Juric already worked with Gian Piero Gasperini and Tony D’Amico, so Atalanta picked him to replace Gasp at the Gewiss Stadium.

Multiple Italian sources, including Sky Sport Italia, confirm that Juric is set to become the new Atalanta coach, as Football Italia reported on Thursday.

Why Atalanta chose Juric to replace Gasperini

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: AS Roma head coach Ivan Juric looks on during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on November 10, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Gasperini decided to leave La Dea after nine years at the club and has been chosen by Roma, who are expected to announce his appointment today.

Juric played under Gasperini as a footballer and started his managerial career as Gasp’s assistant.

He also worked with Atalanta director Tony D’Amico at Hellas Verona and was judged as the most suitable option to replace Gasperini after nine years.

Sky Sport Italia confirms that Juric will sign a two-year contract at the Gewiss Stadium.

Juric’s nightmare season at Roma and Southampton

epa11680700 AS Roma’s coach Ivan Juric looks on during the UEFA Europa League soccer match AS Roma vs Dynamo Kyiv at Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 24 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

Juric played 365 games as a professional footballer, 215 of which were under Gasperini. Once he retired, he followed Gasp at Palermo and in a short spell at Inter, working as the Italian coach’s assistant.

Juric had a troubled 2024-25 campaign as he was sacked after just two months at Roma and failed to avoid relegation from the Premier League at Southampton.

Nevertheless, his tactical proximity with Gasp and his solid bond with D’Amico made him the most suitable candidate for Atalanta who will play in the Champions League next season.