Manager Balances Disappointment Over Key Departures with Returns and Squad Depth Amid Serie A Push.

Ademola Lookman

Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino voiced his frustration over Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman’s upcoming absence for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following the team’s 3–1 Serie A defeat to Verona on Saturday, as reported by Sportblits.com.

Palladino’s Mixed Emotions on Squad Changes

In the post-match press conference, Palladino grappled with losing two pivotal players: Lookman and Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou. Yet, he drew optimism from the returns of Sead Kolasinac and Giorgio Scalvini, calling them “equally important” to the squad.

“We are losing two important players for us [Lookman and Kossounou], strong and decisive, but we are regaining Kolasinac and Scalvini, who are equally important,” he stated.

The coach also stressed the need to reintegrate Kamory Doumbia (noted as Sulemana in reports), sidelined by a minor injury: “We need to get Sulemana back… I try to recover everyone because I need all the players to feel involved.”

Focus on Internal Growth Despite Setback

Undeterred by the Verona loss, Palladino redirected attention to Atalanta’s self-imposed benchmarks: “Our priority is to measure itself against our own standards rather than immediate league positions.”

Lookman’s Resurgent Form: A Timely Boost

Lookman has been a standout under Palladino, scoring in consecutive matches for the first time this season—including in Atalanta’s 2–0 triumph over Fiorentina. This hot streak arrives perfectly ahead of AFCON 2025, bolstering the Super Eagles’ preparations.

Post-Fiorentina, where he netted a brace, Palladino praised the winger’s all-around impact: “With Lookman, I did exactly what I did with the rest of the team: I spoke individually. A few words were enough, because he’s an intelligent guy who understands immediately.”

“He’s having a strong offensive phase, but I emphasize his defensive commitment: he’s 100% in the game. I’m happy for his goals; he’s an essential asset.”

Lookman will aim to sustain this momentum in Atalanta’s next fixture against Cagliari on Saturday, before linking up with the Super Eagles camp in Egypt. As AFCON looms, his club form promises fireworks for Nigeria in Morocco.