Ademola and Juric Reconcile Ahead of Atalanta vs Sassuolo
Atalanta coach Ivan Juric confirmed that the disagreement with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been settled before their Serie A match against Sassuolo.
During a pre-match press conference in Zingonia on Saturday, Juric stated that Lookman had been training regularly with the team following their UEFA Champions League win over Marseille.
“He always works well; that reaction is something that can happen now and then,” Juric said, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Juric compared the situation to an earlier incident involving goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, noting how these moments can ultimately strengthen relationships.
“Ademola is unusual; you get over it. And sometimes these incidents help improve relationships: with Carnesecchi, we’ve opened up, and I feel much closer to him now.”
The coach also praised Lookman’s performance in the Marseille game, despite having a goal disallowed before being substituted.
“He suffered, but in Marseille he played an excellent game, and I hope he continues to rise.”
Lookman, the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, is expected to join the Nigerian Super Eagles training camp after the Serie A match against Sassuolo. He has been named in the 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs against Gabon in Morocco next week.
Summary
Atalanta’s coach Ivan Juric and Ademola Lookman have resolved their conflict, with Lookman set to join Nigeria’s World Cup playoff squad after Sunday’s Serie A match.