Atalanta’s New Coach Raffaele Palladino Places Ademola Lookman at the Heart of His Plans

Atalanta’s newly appointed head coach, Raffaele Palladino, has identified Ademola Lookman as a key player in his strategy as he prepares for his first match in charge.

Palladino, who succeeded Ivan Juri?, was officially introduced to the media on Wednesday and will lead the team this weekend when Atalanta face reigning champions Napoli. The 41-year-old spoke with calm confidence, outlining his ambition for a club that has gone seven Serie A games without a win.

"I’m very happy to be here at Atalanta. It’s a great club, and I feel confident that my staff and I will do everything we can to take it to the top," Palladino said.

The Italian manager inherits a squad unsettled by the fallout from Lookman’s blocked summer transfer. Inter Milan had offered €45 million for the Nigerian international, but Atalanta rejected the bid, placing a €50 million valuation on the winger. The situation contributed to early-season tension and overshadowed the club’s performances.

Palladino confirmed he has already spoken directly with Lookman, who returned from Nigeria duty this week.

"Lookman is crucial," he said. "I called him, as well as all the other players who were on national team duty. He presented himself very well. I’ll evaluate his role based on his performances in training."

The uncertainty surrounding Lookman has attracted interest from Turkey, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe reportedly preparing strong moves in the January transfer window. Galatasaray is said to be ready to offer €9 million per year, while Fenerbahçe made initial contact soon after the Italian window closed.

Lookman’s relationship with Atalanta was further strained following a touchline confrontation with former coach Juri? during a Champions League match against Marseille on 5 November. With Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations set for December, a mid-season transfer is increasingly seen as a realistic possibility.

Atlético Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom pursued Lookman last summer, are also monitoring the situation and could submit offers in the coming weeks.

Although Atalanta may reconsider their €50 million valuation if Lookman’s form does not improve, Palladino and his staff are confident that a new managerial approach could stabilise both the player and the team.

The coming weeks are likely to shape not only Lookman’s future but also Atalanta’s season under their new head coach.