Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will play no part in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League opener against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, as coach Ivan Juric once again excluded him from the matchday squad.
Lookman, who has not featured for Atalanta since the end of the 2024/25 season, was absent from training alongside four other teammates on Tuesday. According to TMW, Juric is sticking to his stance, leaving the Nigerian out for a fourth straight competitive game.
The decision comes after a turbulent summer in which the 28-year-old attempted to force a move away from the club. Inter Milan’s bid fell short of Atalanta’s €50m valuation, while late interest from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray also failed to materialize before the Turkish transfer window closed on September 12.
Juric and Atalanta Stand Firm
Juric has made it clear he will not plead with the Super Eagles star to play.
“I won’t beg any player to feature. We need players who are ready to give 100 per cent,” Juric said earlier this month.
Atalanta director Luca Percassi echoed those comments, telling DAZN Italia that Lookman must be fully committed before being considered for selection.
“We know how important Lookman is, but this club has very basic principles. Every game is difficult, and we need total concentration and commitment from our players,” Percassi stated.
Atalanta’s Selection Crisis
Atalanta are already short-handed ahead of their trip to the Parc des Princes, with Ederson, Gianluca Scamacca, Sead Kolasinac, and Mitchel Bakker all sidelined through injury.
Despite their struggles, Juric’s men finally earned their first Serie A win of the season last Sunday, thrashing Lecce 4-1 after two consecutive stalemates.
For Lookman, however, his future remains uncertain. Barring a January transfer, the Nigerian international faces the challenge of winning back Juric’s trust to revive his season.
