Born in Bergamo to physical education teacher and a Sicilian mother, Gagliardini began his career at hometown club Atalanta playing for their youth teams and later for the reserves. He was promoted to the first-team squad for the 2013–14 season.[2]
On 17 January 2014, he was loaned to Serie B side Cesena with a 6-month loan deal.[4] On 25 January he made his debut for Cesena as a substitute, replacing Guido Marilungo in the 74th minute and one minute later he scored his first career goal in a 3–1 away win over Varese.[5][6] On 2 February, Gagliardini played his first full match for Cesena, a 1–1 away draw against Virtus Lanciano.[7] On 6 June, Gagliardini was sent-off with a double yellow card in the 67th minute of a 1–0 away win against Modena.[8] Gagliardini ended his 6-month loan to Cesena with 21 apeparences, including 16 as a starter, and 1 goal.[9] He helped the team win promotion to Serie A.[2]
Loan to Spezia
On 1 September 2014, he was loaned to Serie B side Spezia on a season-long loan deal.[10] On 7 September he made his debut for Spezia as a substitute replacing Juri Cisotti in the 68th minute of a 2–1 home win over Frosinone.[11] On 24 January 2015, Gagliardini played his first entire match for Spezia and he scored his first goal in the 55th minute of a 1–1 away draw against Frosinone.[12] Gagilardini ended his season-long loan to Spezia with 14 appearances and 1 goal.[9]
Loan to Vicenza
On 29 July 2015, Gagliardini moved to Serie B side Vicenza on loan, with an option to purchase.[13] On 9 August he made his debut for Vicenza in the second round of Coppa Italia in a match won at penalty 4–2 against Cosenza.[14] On 15 August, Gagliardini played in the third round of Coppa Italia, he was replaced by Giovanni Sbrissa in the 78th minute of a 1–0 away win over Empoli.[15] On 6 September he made his Serie B debut for Vicenza in a 1–0 away win against Modena.[16] On 27 October, Gagilardini scored his first goal for Vicenza in the 24th minute of a 2–1 away win over Trapani.[17] On 3 December he played in the fourth round of Coppa Italia in a 2–1 away defeat against Carpi, he was replaced in the 64th minute by Salvatore D'Elia.[18] Gagliardi finished his loan to Vicenza with 19 appearances and 1 goal.[9]
Return to Atalanta
On 15 May 2016, he made his Serie A debut with Atalanta in a 2–1 away win over Genoa, on the final match-day of the 2015–16 season.[19][20][21] The first half of the following season, he was promoted to the starting line-up, making 13 more league appearances for the club.[22]
Inter Milan
On 11 January 2017, Gagliardini joined Inter Milan on loan, with an obligation to buy in the summer of 2018.[23][24] He was presented two days later, where he was assigned the squad number 5 (previously worn by Felipe Melo, who left Inter in the same transfer window).[25][26] Gagliardini made his Inter debut on 14 January against Chievo at San Siro, playing the full-90 minutes in a 3–1 win to help the Nerazzurri claim their fifth consecutive league victory.[27] On 5 March, he scored his first goal for Inter in a 5–1 win at Cagliari.[28] The following week, Gagliardini scored against his parent club Atalanta in a 7–1 thrashing by Inter.[29]
Monza
On 7 July 2023, Gagliardini signed for Monza as a free agent on a one-year deal, with an option to extend a further year.[30]
International career
On 28 February 2014, Gagliardini was called up to the Italy under-20 side.[31] On 12 August 2015, he made his debut with the under-21 side under manager Luigi Di Biagio, in a friendly match against Hungary, which ended in a 0–0 draw.[32][33][34]
On 28 March 2017, Gagliardini made his first senior appearance for the Italy national football team, along with four other players; he came off the bench to replace the injured Daniele De Rossi in the 37th minute of a 2–1 friendly away win against the Netherlands.[37][38]
In June 2017, he was included in the Italy under-21 squad for the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship by manager Di Biagio.[39] Italy were eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals on 27 June, following a 3–1 defeat, during which Gagliardini was sent off.[40][41]
Style of play
At 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) tall, Gagliardini is a complete midfielder, known for his physical attributes, work-rate, vision, ability to read the game, and technique. He also possesses a good shot from outside the penalty area. He can play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or mezzala.[22][42][43]
^"Roberto Gagliardini in biancorosso" [Roberto Gagliardini in the white and red shirt] (in Italian). Vicenza Calcio. 29 July 2015. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2015.
^"Roberto Gagliardini all'Inter" [Roberto Gagliardini joins Inter!] (in Italian). Atalanta B.C. 11 January 2017. Archived from the original on 13 January 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2017.