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Atalanta coach Ivan Jurić will evaluate Ademola Lookman’s fitness over the coming days to determine whether the Nigeria international can make his season debut in Sunday’s Serie A game against Lecce, Yohaig NG reports. Lookman has not featured this season, following a fallout with the club amid the collapse of his summer transfer to Inter Milan.
Despite his lack of club action, he played full matches for Nigeria in their World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, though he appeared to sharpness. He will undergo further assessment upon his return to Bergamo.
Editorial
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We view Lookman’s situation as emblematic of the modern footballer’s dilemma—caught between national duty, club tensions, and the pressure to perform without rhythm. His involvement for Nigeria, while admirable, may have masked deeper issues stemming from inactivity and club unrest.
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We believe that Atalanta’s decision to assess his fitness thoughtfully underscores the importance of proper reintegration. It is not simply about being physically fit. Match fitness is psychological, tactical, and conditioned through repetition. Returning to full training after months of uncertainty is a task that demands patience and calibration.
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We also recognise that Lookman’s future will depend as much on his response off the pitch as on it. How he manages the fallout from the failed transfer, the expectations of international play, and his own form will define whether this return can become a revival or merely a brief stopgap.
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We hold firm to the conviction that football careers are rarely linear. The path to resurgence is often paved with setbacks—yet it is those who respond with discipline, focus, and mental resilience who find new beginnings. Lookman now stands at that crossroads, and how he moves forward will say as much about his character as it will about his talent.
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Did You Know?
Lookman has not played for Atalanta since May 2025, after a breakdown in negotiations with Inter Milan paused his club activity.
His lack of club football showed during Nigeria’s qualifiers, where he missed several clear chances that he might have converted under better match preparations.
The fall-out with Atalanta reportedly involved a disagreement over loan terms and training commitments after his Inter move collapsed.
Atalanta have opted not to issue further sanctions against Lookman on his return, choosing to focus on his physical and mental reintegration.
The long travel from Africa back to Bergamo a 16-hour journey was noted by [coaching staff](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/category/stadiums-and-facilities/) as a factor in planning his immediate reintegration into training.