Croatian coach Ivan Jurić has been sacked by Atalanta following a poor start to the 2025–26 Serie A season. Consecutive defeats, including last weekend’s 3–0 home loss to Sassuolo, have dropped the club down to 13th in the league table. The decision to relieve Jurić and his coaching staff came after just 11 games, marking a turbulent period for the Bergamo club.
Who is Ivan Jurić?
Ivan Jurić was born on 25 August 1975 in Split, Croatia. He is a retired professional midfielder who played for clubs like Hajduk Split, Sevilla, Albacete, Crotone, and Genoa before retiring in 2010. As a manager, Jurić has often drawn inspiration from his former coach Gian Piero Gasperini, known for his attacking, high-press system.
Ivan Jurić Managerial Career
His coaching career so far has included a brief stop at Roma and an experience in the Premier League with Southampton, facing up to the relegation challenge. Jurić joined Atalanta in June 2025, charged with replacing Gasperini and preserving the club’s momentum in Serie A and in Europe.
Why Was Ivan Jurić Sacked by Atalanta?
Despite an unbeaten start to the season, Atalanta drew seven of their first nine matches. However, defeats to Udinese and Sassuolo saw fissures in the strategy of the team, which finally saw the club take action. Jurić’s tactical approach, while influenced by Gasperini, wasn’t bearing enough fruit in domestic competition to keep fans and management happy.
Ivan Jurić vs European Competitions
Curiously, under Jurić, Atalanta has fared better in Europe than in Serie A. The team now lies 16th in their Champions League group with seven points from four games, showing glimpses of attacking prowess, though inconsistency is their Achilles’ heel.
The big difference between European and domestic form contributed to the impression that Jurić hadn’t managed to steady the ship in Sweden.
What’s Next for Atalanta After Ivan Jurić’s Exit?
The now urgent task for Atalanta is to find a replacement head coach as the Serie A season goes on. Italian media report that internal candidates may be considered as the club seeks to recover form before crucial matches pile up.
For Ivan Jurić, this dismissal means another early setback in his managerial career, underlining the pressure that comes with replacing a long-serving and successful coach like Gasperini.
