Atalanta boss Ivan Juric has revealed that Ademola Lookman will be included in the squad for Sunday’s Serie A encounter against Torino, though he admitted the forward is not yet at full fitness.
The Nigerian international has been absent from competitive action since the close of the 2024–25 campaign. Over the summer, Inter Milan tabled a €45 million offer for his services, which was turned down by Atalanta. That rejection prompted Lookman to hand in an official transfer request.
Summer dispute and delayed comeback
Following the failed move, Lookman accused the club of mishandling the situation and opted to return to England, where he trained privately while waiting for another transfer opportunity. With no deal reached before the window closed, he came back to Bergamo just five days prior to the start of the new season.
Four league matches into the campaign, Atalanta may now look to reintroduce the winger due to fitness concerns surrounding Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca. “He has spoken with me, the group, and the staff. He was welcomed back and starting tomorrow, he will be available,” Juric said during his Saturday press conference. The coach added that Lookman impressed in Friday’s training session despite lacking sharpness after working alone for an extended period.
De Ketelaere doubts and Torino reunion
Juric also commented on De Ketelaere’s condition after the Belgian forward was forced off during the midweek 4-0 Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. “We will need to assess him carefully after the issue he suffered against PSG,” he explained.
Sunday’s fixture will mark a return to familiar ground for Juric, who previously coached Torino. Reflecting on his time there, he said: “I think I had some good years in Turin. We stabilized the club financially and reached the upper half of the table after several difficult seasons. Now they are stronger, with more depth. They have quality players, they press well at home, and their display against Roma showed their strength.”
