New Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has described Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as an important part of the project he wants to build at the Italian club.
Palladino, who has just taken over from Ivan Jurić, spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of his first match in charge, which will be away to champions Napoli on Saturday. The 41-year-old arrived with a clear message and a calm confidence as he explained how he hopes to lift Atalanta after a poor run of seven Serie A matches without a win.
The Italian manager said he is delighted to join the club and is ready to give his best with his coaching team to take Atalanta forward. However, he admitted that one of his first major tasks will be managing the tension around Lookman’s transfer situation.
The Nigerian forward has not been at his best this season after the club rejected a €45 million offer from Inter Milan in the summer. Atalanta wanted €50 million, and the decision has had a big impact on both the squad and the player.
Palladino confirmed he has already spoken to Lookman, who recently returned from international duty with Nigeria. He said the conversation was positive and that he expects strong effort and focus from the winger in training.
“Lookman is crucial,” Palladino said. “I called him, just as I contacted all the players who were away with their national teams. He presented himself very well. I will decide his role based on what I see from him in training.”
Lookman’s future remains uncertain, with top Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe preparing to battle for his signature in January. His relationship with Atalanta has been strained in recent weeks after a touchline argument with former coach Jurić during a Champions League match against Marseille.
Although the coaching change has brought a fresh start, Lookman is still believed to be considering a move. Atalanta’s management also know that a sale in January is possible, especially as he is expected to join Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations in December.