Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has offered a glowing assessment of Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Fiorentina coach revealed that the Nigerian forward has shown professionalism since his arrival. Meanwhile, this contrasts with the earlier criticisms Lookman received under former coach Ivan Juric.
The Super Eagles star has been impressive under the new manager across Serie A and the UEFA Champions League and has sparked an honest feedback from the former Italy winger.
A goal & assist for Ademola Lookman against Frankfurt.
We want our Ademola Lookman back pic.twitter.com/WEcVUUNthA
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 26, 2025
Palladino praises Lookman’s mentality and commitment
As reported by linterista, the former Parma star revealed that one of his first actions after taking charge was to build personal relationships with every member of the squad — including Lookman, whose Atalanta career appeared uncertain just months earlier.
“When I arrived, I spoke with everyone individually to establish a personal relationship: players are always human. We spoke with Ademola; he's a great professional who is sacrificing himself for the team. He and I want the same thing: to make the club great. The results are showing.”
Under Palladino, Lookman has flourished again, scoring 2 Serie A goals in nine appearances and adding another in the Champions League—his first in the competition this season.
A stark contrast to Ivan Juric’s stance
Palladino’s praise stands in sharp contrast to the frosty relationship between Lookman and Ivan Juric earlier this season.
Juric publicly questioned Lookman’s passion for the shirt, and even excluded the Nigerian international from matchday squads.
During the height of the summer transfer saga—when Lookman submitted a transfer request after Atalanta rejected a €45m bid—Juric made it clear that he was unsure whether the forward still had the mindset to remain at the club.
The fallout stemmed from what Lookman described as broken promises by Atalanta’s management, which led to missed training sessions and a tense period before negotiations collapsed.
Palladino revival
Under former manager Gian Piero Gasperini, the Nigerian endured public criticism — including being labelled one of the worst penalty takers after a Champions League miss.
The episode left him deeply hurt, though Gasperini later softened his stance and even suggested Lookman could become captain.
Now, Palladino’s approach appears to have unlocked the best version of Lookman again.
If this new approach and healthy relationship continues, Atalanta may yet retain one of their most decisive attacking players, despite the dramatic events of the past year.
