Cristiano Giuntoli assures Marco Carnesecchi and Honest Ahanor will stay with Atalanta under new coach Maurizio Sarri, is quiet on Kerim Alajbegovic, and hits back at Inter over Marco Palestra’s Chelsea move.
The former Napoli and Juventus director was appointed by Atalanta this summer, and held his presentation press conference this afternoon.
You can read the rest of his comments on the failed Ederson transfer to Manchester United here.
Atalanta resist interest in crown jewels
There are plenty of other players who have attracted interest from the Premier League and more Serie A sides, but La Dea are adamant they won’t dismantle their squad.
“We want to keep our jewels,” assured Giuntoli when asked about the Ahanor offers from England.
“There are many rumours around, but we do not want to sell anyone. Carnesecchi will remain with Atalanta, and we are certain this group can do well.”
There have already been some sales, most notably wing-back Palestra to Chelsea after his successful loan spell with Cagliari.
That €50m plus add-ons move was shrouded in controversy, as Inter accused Atalanta and the player’s agent of breaking an agreement.
“Everyone was fully aware of everything that went on. Palestra went to a big club and will represent Italy abroad. We were perfectly fair and correct with all parties,” insisted Giuntoli.
“On the right side we have Raoul Bellanova and Davide Zappacosta, so we’re pleased to have them. We believe that we have a strong squad all over the park, and we’re satisfied with the arrival of Gianluca Gaetano. Atalanta have always been alert for opportunities on the market.”
There have been multiple reports over the last few days that they are pushing hard to sign Bosnia and Herzegovina talent Alajbegovic, beating Roma and Milan to the punch.
“You read many things, we are focused on the pitch,” was Giuntoli’s only response.
The director of sport is not the only new face, because Sarri was hired as the Atalanta coach after his Lazio adventure.
“Sarri has a very clear identity and style of play, so we are convinced this squad has a lot of quality he can draw on, including in the youth academy.
“When you see Atalanta from the outside, you can’t help but fall in love with this project. It has a youth academy that is the envy of the world, there are people here who truly understand football. I accepted in a second when they approached me.”
