Adomola Lookman is in a difficult situation – Atalanta coach Ivan Juric

Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has confirmed that Ademola Lookman will not be part of his squad for Sunday’s Serie A encounter with Lecce, extending the Nigerian forward’s absence from competitive action.

Lookman has not featured for the Bergamo club since the end of last season, having returned only five days before the start of the current campaign after pushing for a summer move to Inter Milan — a deal that ultimately collapsed.

Reports earlier this week suggested Juric was considering reintegrating the 26-year-old into his plans. However, the coach dispelled those claims during his pre-match press conference, stressing that Lookman remains out of contention.

“Ademola will not be ready for tomorrow,” Juric said. “It’s a truly unpleasant and difficult situation. As a coach, I felt we needed other things: spirit, humility, passion for the shirt. We need to do better and take responsibility — you need a sense of belonging.”

Despite acknowledging his positive relationship with the Nigerian international, Juric underlined that commitment to Atalanta’s values must come first.

“I have a very good relationship with Lookman,” he added. “But I shouldn’t have to beg him to play. We are Atalanta, and he represents this city. What we need are hard work, humility — different values. I shouldn’t have to plead with anyone. Atalanta must be built on strong personal values.”

Lookman, who was one of Atalanta’s standout performers last season, now faces an uncertain future under Juric as the club presses ahead without him.