Atalanta snub Lookman ahead of Lecce clash

Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta nightmare is not easing, as he has once again been snubbed from the squad, with head coach Ivan Jurić confirming he will play no part in Sunday’s Serie A clash against Lecce.

For weeks, Lookman has been locked in a cold war with the club. After Atalanta rejected a €45 million summer bid from Inter, the Europa League final hat-trick hero filed a transfer request and stormed off to the UK to train on his own. Since then, he has not played in a single competitive game this season.

Though he returned to Bergamo before the start of the new campaign, his comeback has not impressed Jurić.

The coach insists the winger lacks the mentality required to earn back his place.

“Ademola will not be ready for tomorrow. We need other things: spirit, humility, passion for the shirt … sense of belonging,” Jurić said.
“I have a very good relationship with Lookman … but I shouldn’t have to beg him to play.”

The fallout has left Atalanta fans divided. Some argue the club is right to demand discipline, while others say Lookman deserves better after firing them to European glory just months ago.