Atalanta boss Ivan Juric has left Ademola Lookman out of the squad to face Lecce on Sunday, insisting the Nigerian forward is lacking the attitude required to play.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Juric made it clear that the decision was not only fitness-related but tied to commitment and mentality.
“Ademola will not be ready for tomorrow,” Juric said. “We need spirit, humility, passion for the shirt. I have a good relationship with him, but I shouldn’t have to beg him to play. Atalanta represents hard work and humility, and those are the values we expect.”
The 27-year-old has not played a competitive game this season, having missed pre-season after a failed transfer to Inter Milan. Frustrated, he filed a transfer request and trained alone in the UK before returning just five days before the Serie A opener.
Lookman’s absence adds to concerns over his future in Bergamo, with the winger yet to regain match fitness or the trust of his coach.
Atalanta, who pride themselves on intensity and discipline, appear unwilling to compromise, with Juric signalling that Lookman must prove his desire to represent the club.
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