Palladino: ‘I try to be ambitious, Atalanta regrets’ after 3-2 loss to Cagliari

(Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images) La Dea were already shaken last week by their Coppa Italia semi-final elimination to Lazio on a penalty shoot-out, and were clearly carrying the weight of that 120 minutes. They conceded a goal within 16 seconds in Sardinia to teenager Paul Mendy, who promptly added a second just seven minutes later. Gianluca Scamacca’s brace had it at 2-2 by half-time, but Gennaro Borrelli scored the winner in the opening minute of the restart.

Palladino frustrated by Atalanta performance CAGLIARI, ITALY – APRIL 27: Paul Mendy #31 of Cagliari scores the opening goal during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Sant’Elia on April 27, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images) “We conceded a goal when we were practically still in the dressing room,” confessed Palladino to DAZN Italia. “Starting like that knocks the wind out of you.

We were unable to recover our physical and mental energy after the Coppa Italia. It is obvious if you are a goal down within 30 seconds. I had hoped the lads would turn a corner today, but we didn’t, and we apologise to the fans for our performance.

“We wanted to keep the European hopes alive and we didn’t manage it, so there are many regrets. ” Cagliari were certainly not lacking in motivation, because this victory allowed them to move eight points clear of the relegation zone with four rounds left to play. “They came out fighting from the start, but we did have a very good reaction to equaliser.