Ademola Lookman could make his 100th Serie A appearance for Atalanta against Sassuolo on Sunday, but a recent fallout with manager Ivan Juric has left his place in the squad uncertain.
The Nigeria international has made 99 league appearances since joining Atalanta in the summer of 2022 from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. However, that landmark appearance may now be delayed following a highly publicised clash between Lookman and manager Ivan Juric during Atalanta’s 1–0 UEFA Champions League win away at Marseille.
Tensions flared after Lookman was substituted in the 75th minute, with cameras capturing a heated exchange between the pair on the touchline. The situation escalated when Juric appeared to physically restrain the forward, prompting other members of the coaching staff to intervene.
Speaking after the match, Juric downplayed the incident, describing it as an “emotional moment” rather than a sign of deeper conflict. Still, several ex-players, including Troy Deeney and Nigel Reo-Coker, have criticised the manager for his physical reaction.
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At present, Lookman’s future at the club remains uncertain. There are suggestions he could seek a move, either on loan or permanently, when the transfer window opens in January.
Should he feature against Sassuolo, the 28-year-old will become only the seventh Nigerian player to record 100 Serie A appearances, joining an exclusive list that includes Christian Obodo (196), Joel Obi (142), Stephen Makinwa (120), Simy Nwankwo (116), Victor Osimhen (108), and Ola Aina (102).
Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has been one of the club’s standout performers, famously scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final to secure their first major trophy. However, relations began to sour last season following a fallout with former manager Gian Piero Gasperini and Atalanta’s decision to block his proposed move to Inter Milan during the summer.
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