Juric: ‘Difficult to hazard a guess on Lookman’ future with Atalanta | OneFootball

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric still expects more new signings before the transfer deadline, but admits ‘it is difficult to hazard a guess’ on whether Ademola Lookman will stay or go.

La Dea opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Pisa and now face a tricky trip to Parma on Saturday at 17.30 UK time (16.30 GMT).

“The second half against Pisa was excellent, but the only problem was that we failed to capitalise on our chances. We’ve got to improve on dealing with the long ball game of opponents,” noted the coach in his press conference.

“Parma are a tough opponent, they had the first really big chance of their game against Juventus, even if they eventually lost. Carlos Cuesta comes from Arsenal, so I expect an aggressive pressing game and danger on set plays.

“We use zonal defending and know how to adjust from game to game. Arsenal and in general the Premier League are tactical inspirations for me, there is such a maniacal focus on certain aspects that we don’t really pay attention to.”

Juric in the dark on Lookman situation

BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 24: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Pisa SC at Gewiss Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Ederson was struggling with injury problems ahead of that game and will also miss out tomorrow, while Lookman remains an outcast following his attempts to walk away this summer.

“I think that could still get some more moves done before the transfer deadline. I don’t know anything about Lookman, it’s difficult to hazard a guess on what will happen or if he will remain,” added Juric.

Lookman had wanted a transfer to Inter, but the club withdrew after their offer was turned down, then nobody else was prepared to match it.

He has been training separately from the rest of the squad, but remains under contract and could be welcomed back into the fold.

BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 06: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta warms up prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta and SS Lazio at Gewiss Stadium on April 06, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Atalanta are in the Champions League again this season and the draw pitted them against Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Club Brugge, Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Praha, Olympique Marseille, Athletic Club Bilbao and Union Saint-Gilloise.

“There are no fragile teams in there,” insisted Juric.

“I faced Union before and know how good they are, while Slavia Prague play really good football too, I scouted a few of their players. Obviously, then facing champions of PSG or Chelsea will be special.”