Juric: ‘Atalanta fans penalised more than anyone’ by Lookman controversy | OneFootball

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric warns ‘the fans are penalised more than anyone’ by the on-going Ademola Lookman saga. ‘Clubs and agents look after their own interests.’

The new boss will make his debut on Sunday against newly-promoted Pisa and has very big shoes to fill after nine years of Gian Piero Gasperini success in Bergamo.

“I don’t feel any anxiety over what has been. I see a young, impressive squad, who are hungry to grow and prove themselves,” assured Juric in a press conference.

“I expect to see what I’ve seen over the last 40 days, which is hard work and the desire to improve. If the lads play free of pressure, they can do very well. Alberto Gilardino is a well-prepared coach, his teams know how to defend as well as attack, so we will face Pisa with great respect.”

Juric critical of Lookman scenario

EMPOLI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC reacts during the Serie A match between Empoli and Atalanta at Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 23, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Atalanta have seen their summer inevitably dominated by the Lookman situation, as he is back in training after going AWOL for a couple of weeks trying to force through a transfer to Inter.

When that failed, he returned to Bergamo and is still waiting for someone to come in with a decent proposal from abroad.

“When a player tries to force a club’s hand, it is the fans who are penalised more than anyone and have to deal with the consequences, when all they want is passion and heart,” added Juric.

“The clubs and agents look after their own interests, but the disappointment of the fans remains. For the fans, it is a battle between emotion and reason, what the heart says, and what is best for the team.”

Italy national team staff including CT Gennaro Gattuso, Gianluigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci, visit Atalanta training, led by Ivan Juric.

It leaves Atalanta short on strikers, as Gianluca Scamacca is still not fully fit after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee last summer.

New signing Nikola Krstovic just arrived from Lecce and it remains to be seen if he will be risked from the start.

“Scamacca is not yet at 100 per cent, but he worked really well and can start. I believe he is ready,” insisted Juric.

“We can adapt to a few different tactical systems, even if the main idea remains a trequartista in support of the striker. For now, two centre-forwards is not in my plans.”