Fabio Capello warns Atalanta will struggle without Ademola Lookman

By Monsurah Olatunji

Former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has voiced concerns about Atalanta’s prospects for the new season, particularly if they lose key players such as Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.

Lookman had an outstanding season with Atalanta, playing a crucial role in the club’s historic triumph in the Europa League, where he became the first player to score a hat-trick in a final.

Additionally, he contributed significantly to their Coppa Italia campaign, amassing 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 games last season.

Currently, Lookman is at the center of transfer speculation, with links to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) potentially signaling his departure from Atalanta.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello expressed his concerns about Atalanta’s chances in the upcoming 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, particularly with the group stage draw approaching. He reckoned the potential impact of player departures on the team’s form:

“They [Atalanta] can be the underdogs. It’s a team that not even top European clubs want to meet because they are tricky,” Capello said.

“Transfers may have an impact. If Koopmeiners and Lookman leave after injuries to Scamacca and Scalvini, it would be tough for Gasperini.”

Capello’s remarks underscore the challenges Atalanta may face if they lose key players, emphasizing the potential difficulties for manager Gian Piero Gasperini in maintaining the club’s competitive edge.