Giuntoli: ‘Atalanta trying to find ourselves, Juventus didn’t give me time’

Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli insists they are trying to ‘find ourselves’ this season under Maurizio Sarri, and shrugs off his contentious past with Juventus. ‘Players aren’t given time.’

It kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Frank Kessie of Atalanta BC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on September 12, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

This has been a difficult start to the campaign for La Dea, who are struggling to adapt to the ideas of new coach Maurizio Sarri.

They are coming off back-to-back defeats in Serie A to Roma and Cagliari, while Odilon Kossounou joined Kamaldeen Sulemana and Isak Hien on the treatment table, so summer signing Thomas Kristensen steps into the starting XI.

Gianluca Gaetano returns from suspension, but is benched in favour of Lazar Samardzic in something of a free role, so has Sarri stepped back from the idea of trying a double playmaker?

Giuntoli focus on Atalanta

Jonathan Rowe signs the Atalanta contract alongside director Cristiano Giuntoli, completing his move from Bologna (atalanta.it)

“The coach tried a few different systems, he opted for a 4-3-3 and we are still seeking our true identity. Despite a defeat, the most recent match showed signs of strong improvement, so we want to keep going down that path,” Atalanta director Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.

Sarri famously had one season in Turin and won the Scudetto, but does not have fond memories of his time with the Old Lady, while Giuntoli was also sacked by Juventus in the summer of 2025.

“I had two important and formative years here, but my mind is completely on Atalanta, wanting this side to do well, and thanking a club that is putting its faith in me,” replied Giuntoli.

FROSINONE, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Douglas Luiz of FC Juventus reacts during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Benito Stirpe on August 23, 2026 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images)

At the time, he was blamed for the expensive signing of Douglas Luiz and Teun Koopmeiners, yet this season these two players are back pushing for a starting spot under Luciano Spalletti.

“Players are often not given enough time to express themselves, especially when they are young. I’m glad they are finally showing their quality. As I repeat, my mind is on Atalanta and taking this club back to where it belongs.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 12: Atalanta BC coach Maurizio Sarri looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on September 12, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Atalanta had been accustomed to Champions League football under Gian Piero Gasperini, so what is the target for this term under Sarri?

“The objective is to rediscover a strong identity, a different one to the recent past of Atalanta, but still a clear idea on how to progress. We’ll see where we are in Spring, but right now the biggest target is to find ourselves,” concluded Giuntoli.