Palladino Expresses Regret Over Bologna Loss, Prioritises Conference League Qualification for Atalanta

Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino has expressed his regret over the team's 1-0 home defeat to Bologna in Serie A on Sunday, while simultaneously highlighting that securing qualification for next season's UEFA Conference League was the club's overriding priority. Despite the loss, Atalanta have mathematically guaranteed their place in the European competition for the upcoming campaign.

The match at Gewiss Stadium saw Bologna snatch a late victory through a 77th-minute goal from Riccardo Orsolini, preventing Atalanta from taking any points. However, the result did not derail La Dea's European aspirations, as their superior head-to-head goal difference against Bologna ensures they cannot be overtaken for the Conference League spot in the final round of fixtures.

Key facts

Reflecting on the Bologna result

Speaking after the match, Palladino acknowledged the disappointment of the defeat. "I'm sorry we weren't able to get a result. We conceded a goal that was definitely avoidable," he stated, as reported by TMW. Despite the immediate setback, his focus quickly shifted to the broader achievement. "But, beyond the game, the priority was qualifying for the Conference League. I thank the club, the players and the fans."

This qualification marks a significant achievement for Atalanta, especially considering their challenging start to the 2025-26 season. While the club participated in the Champions League last season, Palladino views the Conference League qualification as a testament to the team's resilience and hard work.

Overcoming early season difficulties

Palladino elaborated on the hurdles faced by the squad earlier in the campaign. "There were lots of difficulties at the beginning. We had to start a big uphill climb, but credit has to be given to the guys because they were the ones who had to get us out of difficulty," he explained. This sentiment underscores the collective effort required to navigate the initial struggles and ultimately secure European football.

The coach also emphasized that such an outcome is indicative of the club's ambitious nature. "This result is the sign of an ambitious club where you can achieve great things," he added, praising the environment that fosters success at Atalanta.

Strong club relationships

Palladino also took the opportunity to commend the club's ownership and management, highlighting the strong working relationships that have contributed to Atalanta's achievements. "There's a great relationship with the Percassi and Pagliuca families. We talk a lot and I thank them very much because when you achieve certain goals, it's also thanks to an ownership that supports Atalanta. We deserve to be in Europe." This statement reinforces the stability and unified vision within the club, crucial elements for sustained performance at a high level.

Player selection and tactical decisions

Addressing specific player absences during the Bologna match, Palladino provided insights into his tactical decisions. When questioned about why Lazar Samardzic and Gianluca Scamacca did not feature, he clarified, "I wanted to bring them in, but given the state of the game, I made other changes. Bakker returned today and made his contributions and we’re happy with his return to the pitch." This indicates a pragmatic approach to substitutions, prioritizing the immediate needs of the match situation.

Looking ahead, Atalanta will aim to finish their Serie A campaign strongly, having successfully secured their European spot for the next season. The Conference League provides another avenue for the club to compete on the continental stage, building on their recent history of European participation.

Fuente: Football Italia RSS, https://football-italia.net/palladino-priority-was-the-conference-league/