What Atalanta boss said on losing Ademola Lookman to AFCON 2025

Atalanta will be without Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman for several key Serie A matches as he joins Nigeria’s squad for AFCON 2025, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old, recently named in Eric Chelle's 55-man provisional list, has emerged a key part of Raffaele Palladino's Atalanta squad since his arrival,

He scored in their 2–0 win over Fiorentina alongside Odilon Kossounou to make it his third goal in his 10 appearances for the club.

Meanwhile, should he make Nigeria's final list for the 2025 AFCON campaign, his absence comes at a crucial period for the Bergamo club.

Palladino on Losing Ademola Lookman to AFCON 2025

Atalanta coach and former Juventus star Palladino addressed the situation during a pre-match press conference with Sky Sport:

“We are losing two important players for us, strong, decisive, but we are getting back Kolasinac and Scalvini, who are equally important. We need to get Sulemana back, who had this minor issue; I try to get everyone back, because I need everyone to feel involved.” he said as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb. 

Lookman to Miss Key Atalanta Matches Due to AFCON Call-Up

Lookman’s call-up to Nigeria’s squad for AFCON 2025 means he is set to miss several important Atalanta fixtures in the coming weeks.

The winger will be absent for the Serie A clash against Genoa on December 21 — the day AFCON kicks off — before sitting out two of Atalanta’s most crucial games this season: the home meetings with Inter on January 3 and Roma on January 7.

He will also miss the matches against Bologna, Torino, and Pisa, as well as the friendly or European fixture against Athletic Club.

Lookman’s absence is a significant blow for Atalanta, who will have to navigate a busy schedule without one of their most decisive attacking players.