Lookman clashes with Atalanta boss Juric after Champions League substitution

By Dayo Awoniyi

Ademola Lookman’s Champions League outing ended in controversy on Wednesday night after the Nigerian forward became embroiled in a heated touchline altercation with Atalanta manager Ivan Juric during their 1–0 victory over Marseille in Bergamo.

Lookman, who was substituted in the 75th minute, appeared visibly frustrated as he made his way off the pitch. Television cameras captured him exchanging sharp words with Juric before the coach seemingly grabbed the player, prompting Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi and captain Marten de Roon to intervene and separate the pair.

Eyewitnesses described Lookman as “stunned and angered” by the confrontation. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the pair were later seen exchanging further words after the final whistle, though it remains unclear whether it was an attempt to reconcile or a continuation of their dispute.

The incident adds to a series of off-field tensions involving the 28-year-old winger, whose exceptional form — including 40 goals in 99 appearances and a historic Europa League final hat-trick — has often been accompanied by behind-the-scenes friction.

Earlier this year, Lookman clashed with former Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini, who publicly criticised his penalty-taking after a Champions League defeat to Club Brugge. The Nigerian responded on social media, accusing the club of “poor treatment and broken promises.”

His relationship with the club further deteriorated over the summer when Inter Milan made a £32 million bid that was rejected by Atalanta despite Lookman’s openness to the move. The player later admitted feeling “betrayed” by how the transfer was handled.

Though reintegrated into the first team under Juric this season, Wednesday’s flashpoint threatens to reopen old wounds and reignite speculation about his future ahead of the January transfer window.

Having rebuilt his career in Italy after inconsistent spells with Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, Lookman now finds himself at another crossroads in Bergamo — and whether he stays or departs may depend on how quickly fences can be mended with his fiery new manager.