Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has minimized the brief clash with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman during their recent match, stating that the matter will be resolved privately within the team.
The incident took place late in the second half of Atalanta’s 1-0 UCL win over Olympique Marseille on Wednesday, when Lookman appeared visibly upset after being substituted. Juric reportedly grabbed his arm as the forward voiced his frustration, which he did not take well.
The 28-year-old, one of Atalanta’s standout players this season, had been influential in key moments of the game before his substitution, which is believed to have triggered his reaction.
The forward did not comment publicly after the match, though teammates and other staff members were seen attempting to calm him during the incident.
Speaking after the game, Juric confirmed that emotions were high but emphasized that such disagreements are not unusual in competitive situations.
“It’s the usual thing we’ve been commenting on every Sunday. It happened with De Bruyne at Napoli some players are not happy to be substituted, they don’t react well, and we sort these things out in the locker room”, he told journalists.
“We all know these situations; we’ve all had them as players and as coaches – they happen in the heat of the moment. What matters is Atalanta, the club, the team, and the fans. We do what is good for the team, and I think you need to give your all. I understand, I shake it all off, and we move forward”, he added.
The Super Eagles forward had attempted to leave the team for another club last summer, and has struggled to find his best form this season.
Atalanta now turn their attention to hosting Sassuolo in the Italian Serie A. They currently sit eleventh on the Serie A table.
