Nigerian winger set to feature against Torino after failed Inter Milan move
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has resumed full training with Atalanta following weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future at the Serie A club. The 27-year-old rejoined his teammates on Thursday after a meeting with head coach Ivan Juric, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta.
Lookman’s return comes just days after Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain, which has intensified scrutiny on the club’s performance and squad depth.
Lookman sidelined after pushing for Inter Milan move
The former RB Leipzig and Leicester City winger had been frozen out of the Atalanta squad at the start of the 2025/26 season following his attempt to force a transfer to Inter Milan during the summer transfer window. Despite his desire to join the Italian champions, the move failed to materialize, reportedly due to disagreements over valuation and personal terms.
Since then, Lookman had been left out of matchday squads and was yet to feature in any of Atalanta’s domestic or European fixtures this season. His last appearance for the club dates back to the final weeks of the previous campaign.
However, Lookman remained active at the international level, featuring in Nigeria’s recent matches during the international break, further fuelling speculation about his club situation.
Training return boosts Atalanta’s options
With Atalanta enduring a difficult start to the new Serie A season—managing just one win in their opening games—the return of Lookman could prove to be a timely boost for coach Ivan Juric, who took over managerial duties this summer.
Juric reportedly had a frank conversation with Lookman before clearing him to resume full training with the squad. Sources close to the team indicate that the manager is now willing to reintegrate the winger into the team, especially as the Bergamo club faces a packed fixture schedule across domestic and European competitions.
Set to face Torino this weekend
Lookman could be named in the matchday squad for Atalanta’s weekend clash against Torino, which offers the club an opportunity to bounce back from its Champions League defeat and climb up the Serie A standings.
Although still match-rusty at club level, Lookman showed flashes of sharpness during his recent international duty with Nigeria, making him a potential game-changer if selected.
Atalanta fans react to Lookman’s return
Fans of the club have expressed mixed reactions to Lookman’s return. While some are excited to see one of their most creative players back in action, others have questioned his commitment to the club following the failed transfer saga.
On social media, one fan commented:
“We need goals, we need flair. If Lookman is back and focused, let him play.”
Another wrote:
“He wanted to leave. Let’s hope he gives his 100% now that he’s staying.”
A crucial period ahead for Lookman and Atalanta
The coming weeks will be critical for both Ademola Lookman and Atalanta. For Lookman, it’s a chance to revive his club career, regain match fitness, and remind suitors—and his current employers—of his quality. For Atalanta, integrating a player of his calibre could be key to turning around a slow start to their Serie A campaign.
Atalanta currently sit in the bottom half of the table, and with pressure mounting on Juric, the return of experienced players like Lookman could be the spark the club needs.
