Palladino replaced Ivan Juric in November 2025 when Atalanta were 13th in Serie A. Sunday's win at San Siro secured seventh place and leaves the club in contention for European football — Conference League qualification would follow if Lazio lose the Coppa Italia final to Inter on Wednesday.
Goals from Brazilian midfielder Éderson, Davide Zappacosta and Giacomo Raspadori put Atalanta 3-0 up before Milan reduced the deficit through Strahinja Pavlović's header and a Christopher Nkunku penalty in the closing stages.
Speaking to Sky Sport after the match, Palladino used the moment to address his uncertain future directly.
"I think I deserve to stay, then these are things the club decides."
He expanded on that sentiment after being pressed.
"I am not thinking about my future, but the present. I need to end this season well. I've given my all for this club — I think that has been appreciated by the players and the fans. I hope to be appreciated by the club. I have no regrets. I work day and night. The club will evaluate at the end of the season, but the greatest satisfaction is the response from these lads. They deserve the focus, not me."
He praised the dressing room for the response to a difficult week that included a Coppa Italia semi-final penalty shootout exit against Lazio.
"I said it in the dressing room, but I want to say it publicly — this was the response of a great squad that is working in the same direction. They received some criticism this week but gave their response on the field."
Palladino is contracted until June 2027 but Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport Italia has reported his position is uncertain regardless of the contract. Sporting director Tony D'Amico is expected to leave this summer with former Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli his likely replacement, and a change of head coach may follow depending on the new structure's vision.
Atalanta's European qualification also remains contingent on events elsewhere. The outcome of Wednesday's Coppa Italia final will determine whether seventh place is sufficient. Whether Palladino is there to lead the campaign is a separate question the club has yet to answer.