Ademola Lookman and Ivan Juric’s Sideline Clash Highlights Tensions at Atalanta

Ademola Lookman had a notable altercation with his Atalanta manager, Ivan Juric, following an intense exchange during Wednesday night’s Champions League match against Marseille. The former Everton winger exhibited visible frustration on the touchline after being substituted in the 75th minute. As he walked past Juric, Lookman reportedly voiced his displeasure, prompting Juric to react by grabbing Lookman’s arm in an angry response. A member of the Atalanta staff quickly intervened to separate the two.

Despite the sideline drama, Atalanta secured a 1-0 victory, thanks to a late goal from Lazar Samardzic in the 89th minute.

Lookman, whose career includes stints at Charlton Athletic, Fulham, Leicester City, and Everton, has found himself at odds with Atalanta management on multiple occasions this season. Previously, his former manager Gian Piero Gasperini criticized his penalty-taking abilities, describing him as “one of the worst penalty takers I have ever seen” after a missed opportunity against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Lookman retaliated on social media, calling Gasperini’s remarks “disrespectful.”

In the summer, Lookman expressed his desire to leave Atalanta, as the club rebuffed interest from Italian rivals Inter. In a candid social media post, he indicated that he and the club’s ownership had mutually agreed that it was time for a move, contingent upon receiving a fair offer. He claimed that despite an appropriate offer being made, the club chose to block his departure, leading him to submit a formal transfer request due to a perceived lack of respect towards him as both a player and an individual.

With Inter ultimately withdrawing their interest, Lookman remains with Atalanta, who currently stand in 11th place in Serie A. This recent incident with Juric adds another chapter to Lookman’s tumultuous tenure at the club, which began three years ago.