Sports

Why Atalanta rejected Juventus approach for Cagliari loanee Palestra

Published

1 week ago

30 November 2025

CAGLIARI, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Sant’Elia on October 19, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Marco Palestra impressed with his performance for Cagliari against Juventus on Saturday evening, and Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà explains why his parent club, Atalanta, were unwilling to let him join the Bianconeri over the summer.

Why Atalanta did not want to let Palestra go to Juventus

Marco Palestra is continuing to show that he is a tremendous talent, a powerful right-back and the future of Italian football.

The 20-year-old full-back impressed again against Juventus on Saturday evening, showing his quality and personality, particularly with his output on the right flank during the first 45 minutes at the Allianz Stadium.

TURIN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 29: Francisco Fernandes da Conceicao of Juventus FC competes with Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images) — TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 29: Francisco Fernandes da Conceicao of Juventus FC competes with Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Palestra is already a popular name among the big clubs in Italy, and we reported over the summer that Atalanta had turned down a proposal from Juventus.

Atalanta made a clear decision in July. They sent him to Sardinia on a straight loan deal so that they could bring him back in May with more experience under his belt.

Atalanta always knew that they have a young gem on their hands, and had no intention of letting him leave on a potentially permanent basis last year. And, for now, Palestra’s development is progressing at a rapid rate.