Atalanta boss Palladino ready to call on Lookman in Champions League | OneFootball

Raffaele Palladino explains his Atalanta changes against Athletic Club in the Champions League, confirming Ademola Lookman could be ‘thrown into the mix.’

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Juventus-Benfica on the Liveblog.

La Dea had the worst possible opener to their Champions League campaign, losing 4-0 to reigning trophy holders Paris Saint-Germain, but since then won four of the next five, including victories over Chelsea and Olympique Marseille.

Now they have a huge opportunity to bypass the play-offs and go directly into the Round of 16, as they are currently one of the top eight sides.

Atalanta ambitious in the Champions League

BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Players of Atalanta BC celebrate following he Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Torino FC at Gewiss Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Palladino has made big changes from the 1-1 Serie A draw with Pisa on Friday, including a complete transformation of the entire back three.

“I have so many great players, they are all in good shape, there is real enthusiasm, so I feel like whoever I pick knows what to do and works for the team. I have the utmost faith in all my players,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta runs with the ball away from Elia Caprile of Cagliari during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Cagliari Calcio at Gewiss Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Gianluca Scamacca returns to the starting XI after injury, with Lookman on the bench after returning early from Africa Cup of Nations duty.

“I watched all Ade’s games in the Africa Cup of Nations, and we were cheering him on. He only had one training session, we’re glad he is here, and if needed then we’ll throw him into the mix.”

Lookman scored three goals with four assists in that tournament, helping Nigeria to secure third place.

Giacomo Raspadori was signed from Atletico Madrid, but is not eligible for the Champions League until the next phase.