Juric Draws Line on Lookman: “I Shouldn’t Have to Beg Him to Play”

Atalanta manager Ivan Juric has ruled Ademola Lookman out of Sunday’s Serie A clash with Lecce, stressing that the Nigerian forward must show greater commitment before returning to the squad, Sport360NG reports.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Juric made it clear that he expects players to embody the values of the club.

“Ademola won’t be available tomorrow,” the coach said. “It’s a difficult and unpleasant situation, but as a team we need spirit, humility, passion for the shirt and a sense of belonging. I have a good relationship with him, but I can’t be in a position where I’m begging someone to play. It has to be the other way around, he represents Atalanta, the city, and the values we stand for.”

Lookman, who has not featured for the club since the end of last season, pushed for a move to Inter Milan in the summer. Atalanta rejected a reported €45m bid, prompting the 27-year-old to submit a transfer request and train alone in England. He only rejoined the squad five days before the new campaign but has yet to be reintegrated.

The forward’s frustration was evident in August when he deleted Atalanta-related posts from his social media accounts. Although reports last week suggested Juric might reconsider his stance, the coach confirmed Lookman will not be included against Lecce.

Lookman has already played twice this season for Nigeria, featuring in World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa during the September international break. He was a standout performer for Atalanta last term, scoring 20 goals across all competitions, and remains a key figure for the club’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe.

His contract with Atalanta runs until June 2027, but speculation about his future persists, with Juventus reportedly lining him up as a potential successor to Dusan Vlahovic in 2026.