Atalanta boss Ivan Juric has taken a swipe at Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, confirming he will play no part in Sunday’s Serie A clash with Lecce.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Juric stressed that Lookman’s omission was not purely down to fitness but a matter of attitude.
“Ademola will not be ready for tomorrow,” Juric said. “Atalanta requires spirit, humility, and passion for the shirt—qualities he is currently lacking. I have a good relationship with Lookman, but I shouldn’t have to beg him to play. It works the other way around. We are Atalanta, and he represents the city. We stand for hard work and humility.”
Lookman has yet to feature this season after a turbulent summer that saw his proposed transfer to Inter collapse. The Nigerian winger subsequently submitted a transfer request, publicly criticised the club, and returned to the UK to train alone.
Although he rejoined the squad just five days before the season kicked off, he remains behind his teammates in preparation and fitness, leaving his future at the Bergamo club uncertain.
