Relief for Lookman as Atalanta sack coach Juric

Atalanta have sacked head coach Ivan JuriC after a disastrous start to the Serie A season, a move that many believe could bring much-needed freedom and confidence back to Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman.

The Italian club confirmed Juric’s dismissal on Monday, less than five months after he replaced long-serving manager Gian Piero Gasperini. His exit followed a humiliating 3–0 home defeat to newly-promoted Sassuolo on Sunday, which left La Dea languishing in 13th place on the league tabs short reign was marred by inconsistency and tension within the squad.

Atalanta managed only two wins in 11 league games, with the team visibly struggling to find rhythm and attacking spark.

Lookman, who had been one of Atalanta’s standout performers in recent seasons, appeared to fall out of favour under Juric.

Their frosty relationship made headlines last week after a heated touchline exchange during the club’s Champions League win over Marseille, an incident that highlighted growing discontent in the dressing room.

Although Atalanta edged that European fixture, Sunday’s Serie A collapse proved the final straw for the club’s hierarchy.

“Atalanta BC announces that Ivan Juric has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the first team, along with his closest staff members,” the club said in a statement. “Atalanta thanks Ivan Jurić and his staff for their efforts and wishes them all the best for the future.”

For Lookman, the news comes as a welcome turning point. The forward has endured a frustrating start to the season, often played out of position and restricted by Jurić’s rigid tactical setup. His supporters believe the change could allow him to rediscover the flair and freedom that defined his breakout campaign last year.

Reports in Italy suggest that former Monza and Fiorentina boss Raffaele Palladino is the frontrunner to replace Jurić — a coach known for his more expansive, player-friendly approach.