According to Italian transfer insider Alfredo Pedullà, former Napoli and Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli was nearing an agreement with English club West Ham United. However, Giuntoli ultimately accepted an offer from Atalanta.
Giuntoli was reportedly in advanced discussions with West Ham, with a strong likelihood of a deal being struck. The Premier League club’s subsequent relegation to the English Championship, combined with Atalanta’s interest, led to the collapse of negotiations with the Italian director.
This turn of events allowed Atalanta to finalize an agreement with the 54-year-old. Giuntoli, who was dismissed by Juventus last summer, spent the 2025-26 season without a club. Atalanta is expected to officially announce his appointment shortly.
The Nerazzurri are set to participate in the Conference League next season and are reportedly planning to appoint Maurizio Sarri as their new head coach. Sarri, who previously worked with Giuntoli at Napoli, is expected to succeed Raffaele Palladino at the Gewiss Stadium.
