Lookman features in Atalanta’s 3-0 defeat to Sassuolo amid rift – how did he fare?

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was back in action for Atalanta despite recent tensions with manager Ivan Jurić and his social media cleanout that hinted at unrest, Soccernet.ng reports.

However, his return did little to inspire the Bergamo outfit, as they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Sassuolo on Sunday, which deepened their struggles in Serie A.

Atalanta’s poor form continued as they slumped to a disappointing loss, which left them 13th in the Serie A standings with 13 points after a string of poor results—including defeats to Udinese and Sassuolo and back-to-back draws against AC Milan and Cremonese.

What Happened Between Lookman and Juric

Tension between Lookman and manager Ivan Jurić has been brewing since their touchline spat during Atalanta’s Europa League win over Marseille.

The incident came after a difficult summer where the club blocked several transfer offers for the Super Eagles star—including interest from Inter Milan—leaving the winger frustrated.

The situation reportedly worsened yesterday, with Lookman taking drastic steps on social media to express his dissatisfaction.

Despite featuring for the club against Sassuolo, his relationship with the club’s management remains strained, with speculation that he could push for an exit in January.

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Lookman’s Performance Against Sassuolo

The Nigerian started for Atalanta against Sassuolo and lasted 78 minutes before being substituted for Kamaldeen Sulemana.

The Nigeria international struggled to make an impact, managing just one shot in a frustrating evening for Ivan Juric’s men.

The defeat piles more pressure on Jurić and raises further questions about the team’s morale and attacking output.

The body language of the Nigerian attacker during the game also hinted at lingering frustration, which largely means that his mind may already be set on a move away from Bergamo.

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Lookman Set to Join Super Eagles Camp

Away from club football, Lookman has been named in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon.

The winger is expected to report to camp soon, where the focus will shift to international duty as the Super Eagles continue their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.