News Focus
- Giuntoli held serious talks with West Ham United
- The Hammers’ demotion to the Championship ended the move
- He will now join Atalanta as the new sporting director
- Maurizio Sarri is expected to become the club’s next head coach
Italian reporter Alfredo Pedullà says Cristiano Giuntoli spoke with West Ham United before he said yes to Atalanta. The 54-year-old used to work for Napoli and Juventus. He almost signed with the London club.
Sources suggest both parties were very close to an agreement. However, West Ham played poorly in the Premier League. They fell to the Championship.
This drop in status, plus Atalanta’s interest, stopped the talks. The Italian side then secured his services.
Juventus sacked Giuntoli last summer. He has been without a job since then.
The club will announce his hiring soon. Atalanta will play in the Conference League next term. They also plan to appoint Maurizio Sarri as manager. Sarri worked with Giuntoli at Napoli in the past. He will replace Raffaele Palladino at the Gewiss Stadium.