Newly appointed Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino says Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is central to the project he intends to build at the club and will be closely assessed in training to determine the best role for him.
Palladino, who replaced Croatian coach Ivan Jurić, was unveiled to the media on Wednesday and is expected to take charge of his first match on Saturday when Atalanta face defending champions Napoli away.
Expressing his excitement about the new challenge, Palladino said he is eager to push the club forward. “I’m very happy to be here at Atalanta. It’s a great club, and I feel confident that my staff and I will do everything we can to take it to the top,” the former Fiorentina manager said.
The 41-year-old has significant work ahead as he attempts to revive Atalanta’s form. The team has gone seven Serie A matches without a win, and uncertainty over star forward Ademola Lookman’s future continues to cast a shadow.
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Lookman has been at odds with the club since his failed summer move to Inter Milan, after Atalanta rejected a €45 million offer and insisted on a €50 million valuation for the Nigerian international. Although he has returned to the squad, he is yet to rediscover the explosive form he showed in previous seasons.
Palladino will be tasked with not only restoring Lookman’s confidence and peak performance but also convincing him to remain at the club amid growing interest ahead of the January transfer window.
“Lookman is crucial,” Palladino said. “I called him, as well as all the others who were on national team duty. He presented himself very well. I’ll evaluate his role based on how he performs in training.”
The 28-year-old forward continues to attract attention, with Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe closely monitoring his situation ahead of the upcoming window.
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