Raffaele Palladino has called on Atalanta to keep their eyes firmly on the prize as they prepare for a crucial Serie A showdown with Bologna on Saturday. With a spot in next season's Conference League hanging in the balance, the Atalanta boss delivered a candid and focused message during his pre-match press conference at the Centro Bortolotti.

Reflecting on a turbulent April that saw the team's push for a higher league finish stumble, Palladino didn't shy away from the challenges. "We've analyzed a lot to understand why the results didn't come," he admitted. "In the middle of it all, we had injuries to key players like Ederson and De Ketelaere. Unfortunately, too many things came together at once. But the players always gave everything for Atalanta, and the fans stayed close to us even in the tough moments."

For Palladino, securing a spot in the Conference League would be a monumental achievement. "It's been nine years since Atalanta could consistently aim for Europe," he noted. "I have an ambitious club in front of me, one that's hungry to get there. The Conference League brings long away trips and demands energy, but it's about the staff and squad being ready for everything."

When the conversation turned to his own future, Palladino kept his cards close to his chest. "I'm focused on the present," he said, pointing to recent comments from club director Luca Percassi as the benchmark. "Percassi spoke sincerely about the future—his words were objective and clear. At the end of the season, we'll sit down and evaluate whether our ideas align for the good of Atalanta."

As the Bergamo side gears up for Saturday's clash, the message is clear: stay focused, stay united, and keep chasing that European dream.