Atalanta's Sarri 'Best Signing' Says Giuntoli

Sarri Arrival Hailed as Masterstroke

Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli has declared that Maurizio Sarri was 'the best signing' of the club's summer, praising the coach's arrival as a major coup. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia ahead of Atalanta's final pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao, Giuntoli emphasized the significance of securing Sarri's services.

"I'd say the best signing Atalanta made this summer is Sarri, stealing him out from under the noses of important contenders in Italy and beyond," Giuntoli said. The appointment marks a significant shift for La Dea, who had been under Gian Piero Gasperini for nine years before trying his protegees Ivan Juric and Raffaele Palladino. Sarri's arrival brings a very different approach, notably scrapping the three-man defence.

Giuntoli, who had previously worked with Sarri at Juventus, described the challenge as "intriguing," highlighting the coach's tactical evolution and the club's commitment to a new project.

Squad Reinforcements and Departures

Beyond the managerial change, Giuntoli outlined a series of strategic moves in the transfer market. He confirmed that Ederson was convinced to remain at the club, a crucial retention given the Brazilian midfielder's importance. The director also revealed the signing of Gianluca Gaetano, a midfielder who "knew Italian football well," addressing a specific need in the squad.

At the same time, Atalanta facilitated the departure of Berat Djimsiti, a player who had given much to the club over the years. "We made Berat Djimsiti happy by letting him go after everything he had given to us over the years," Giuntoli explained. This move opened the door for the arrival of Thomas Kristensen from Udinese, a player ten years younger, as the club looks toward the future. Kristensen was named on the bench for the friendly against Athletic Bilbao, marking his first inclusion since the transfer.

"We were ready for that and snapped up Kristensen, who is 10 years younger, because we are thinking about the future. Projects take time and patience, they must be built one brick at a time, but we'll be alert to the very end of the market," Giuntoli added, signaling that further activity could be expected before the transfer window closes.

Injuries have also impacted the squad, with Charles De Ketelaere, Honest Ahanor, and Kamaldeen Sulemana among those sidelined for the pre-season finale.

As Atalanta prepare for the new season under Sarri, the blend of experienced leadership and youthful additions suggests a club in transition, aiming to build a sustainable project. With the transfer window still open, Giuntoli's comments indicate that the club remains vigilant and ready to act if the right opportunity arises.