Ademola and Juric Resolve Rift Before Atalanta vs Sassuolo
Atalanta coach Ivan Juric confirmed that his disagreement with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been resolved ahead of their Serie A match against Sassuolo.
During his pre-match press conference in Zingonia on Saturday, Juric noted that Lookman had been training normally with the squad after their UEFA Champions League win over Marseille.
“He always works well; that reaction is something that can happen now and then,” said Juric, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The coach drew a comparison to a similar situation earlier in the season involving goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi.
“Ademola is unique; you get past it. Sometimes these moments even help strengthen relationships. With Carnesecchi, we talked it out, and now I feel much closer to him,” Juric added.
Juric also praised Lookman’s determination during the Marseille match, in which his goal was disallowed before he was substituted.
“He suffered, but in Marseille he played an excellent match, and I hope he keeps improving,” he said.
The 2024 African Footballer of the Year is set to join Nigeria’s Super Eagles training camp after the game against Sassuolo, as part of the 24-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs against Gabon in Morocco next week.
Author’s Summary
Juric and Lookman reconciled after a brief dispute, restoring unity in Atalanta’s squad ahead of their crucial league match and Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.