Sacchi backs Ivan Juric in Ademola Lookman row

Former Italy national team manager Arrigo Sacchi has backed Atalanta manager Ivan Juric for his actions during a touchline altercation with Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman in their 1-0 Champions League win over Marseille on Wednesday night.

Sacchi, who led Italy to the 1994 World Cup final, said he would have “reacted in the same way” as Juric after Lookman showed frustration at being substituted while the game was still goalless.

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The incident saw Juric grab Lookman by the arm after the forward appeared to question his manager’s decision, prompting Atalanta staff to intervene and separate the pair.

While Juric has been criticised for his reaction, Sacchi defended the Croatian coach, insisting players must respect their managers’ authority.

“I was sorry to see the argument between him and Lookman after the striker’s substitution,” Sacchi wrote in his La Gazzetta dello Sport column.

“I tried to put myself in Juric’s shoes, and I concluded that I would’ve reacted in that way as well. Players don’t always understand that the coach must always be respected, even if they don’t agree with their decisions.

“I hope that this incident will be clarified quickly, and that they draw a line under it for the good of the group.”