Juric: ‘Lookman situation can happen, Atalanta lucky and unlucky’ | OneFootball

Ivan Juric explains what happened in that tense touchline row with Ademola Lookman, insisting Atalanta had both shares of ‘luck’ to beat Olympique Marseille.

It was a dramatic evening at the Velodrome, with tension, chaos and controversy all the way through, culminating in their first win for over a month.

“It was a good performance, we were unlucky on the penalty and the disallowed goal, so for once we got some luck at the end,” Juric told Sky Sport Italia.

“Samardzic scored a fantastic goal and we are very happy.”

Did Atalanta find something they had been lacking so far this season?

“I don’t think we lacked anything this season. Other than the loss to Udinese, we played really good football, hit the woodwork, were denied by goalkeeping heroics. I understand that the lack of results can create a negative sensation, but we kept putting in the performances.”

Juric centre of controversy for Atalanta and Marseille

CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Ivan Juric, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 25, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

La Dea wasted more golden opportunities, including a Charles De Ketelaere penalty parried by Geronimo Rulli and Nikola Krstovic missing a sitter.

Ademola Lookman had the ball in the net, only for it to be disallowed over an earlier Krstovic offside position in the build-up.

It all happened at the 90th minute, when Ederson accidentally kicked the ball onto his arm in the penalty area, but while Marseille were protesting, Atalanta went on the counter and scored the winner with Lazar Samardzic.

“I have to congratulate Krstovic for his hard work in holding up the ball and allowing us to do a high press too,” added Juric.

“We held the ball for long periods, we needed an emotional victory like this, especially after the missed penalty. We are all happy and will now try to make up for lost time in Serie A.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 22: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and SK Slavia Praha at Stadio di Bergamo on October 22, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There was also tension on 75 minutes when Ademola Lookman was substituted by Yunus Musah and he evidently said something to the coach, who did not react well.

Juric grabbed Lookman by the arm and said something to him, before the rest of the staff intervened to calm everyone down.

Sky Sport Italia revealed that there were more words exchanged between Juric and Lookman at the final whistle, when the rest of the team went to celebrate the victory.

“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,” insisted Juric.

“We all know these situations, we’ve all had them as players, 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.”