Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has ruled out Ademola Lookman from Sunday's Serie A match against Lecce, citing the player's lack of commitment to the team, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Lookman has been embroiled in a transfer saga, pushing for a move away from the club during the summer window.
The Nigeria international had been seeking a transfer, with Inter Milan submitting a €45m bid that was rejected by Atalanta.
He had absented himself from training and pre-season friendlies, returning to the UK to train individually, although he has since rejoined Atalanta's first-team training.
Despite his omission from the team in the first two games of the season, Lookman played for Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. However, Juric again, will not be calling on the pacy forward.
"Ademola will not be ready for tomorrow,” Juric confirmed via FootballItalia.
“A truly unpleasant and difficult situation,” he continued.
“As a coach, I felt that we needed other things: Spirit, humility, passion for the shirt. We need to do better and also take responsibility. You need a sense of belonging.”
By Olujimi Dare Ogun