Conte, who guided Bari to promotion before stepping down in the close season, was strongly tipped to land the Juventus hot-seat before it went to Ciro Ferrara.Now the Juve legend has accepted the chance to replace Gregucci, who only left Vicenza in the summer to take charge from Gigi Del Neri.
Whilst Gregucci's exit was widely expected following the 4-1 defeat at Bari at the weekend, Conte's arrival is something of a surprise with Daniele Arrigoni and Mario Beretta tipped as the most likely candidates to take on the role.
Atalanta sit bottom of Serie A and welcome Catania on Wednesday night before travelling to Chievo on Sunday.
Source: UEFA
Conte did not step down, he was effectively sacked because his philosophy no longer matched that of the club. Furthermore, he had not kept his distance from rumours he would take over as coach of Juventus. As so often happens in Italian football, just days after affirming is total and unreserved commitment to Bari, he was out. Nevertheless, his appointment as coach of Atalanta will be a huge boost for the Bergamese club who, let's face it, got it completely wrong by appointing Gregucci, a man who could not do anything of note with second division side Vicenza. My guess is he was just a cheap option, but saving money like that can result in relegation. If Conte gets Ferreira Pinto back soon, he should be able to turn the corner with Atalanta, but more than mid-table is no longer in it for them.
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