Atalanta to sack Ivan Juric after Ademola Lookman bust-up

Atalanta are reportedly set to sack head coach Ivan Juric following a bust-up with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman during the club’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Marseille at the Stade Orange Vélodrome last Wednesday.

According to Football Italia, Atalanta have already informed the Croatian manager of their decision, with only final formalities remaining before an official announcement.

Discussions are underway with Raffaele Palladino, who is expected to sign a contract that will run until June 2027.

Read Also: Ademola Lookman in touchline bust-up with Atalanta manager Juric

The incident that precipitated Juric’s exit occurred when Lookman, visibly frustrated after being substituted midway through the second half, muttered something as he walked past his coach.

Juric reacted angrily, grabbing the winger by the arm before Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi and midfielder Marten de Roon intervened to diffuse the confrontation.

Read Also: Sacchi backs Ivan Juric in Ademola Lookman row

According to Football Italia, Atalanta had already been considering Juric’s position, with the matches against Marseille and Sassuolo seen as decisive for his future. Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Sassuolo sealed his fate.

Palladino has emerged as the preferred candidate to take over, with the Percassi family viewing him as the ideal profile to rebuild team morale and form.

While former Italy coach Roberto Mancini was also admired, he was never a serious contender for the role.

Atalanta have managed just two Serie A wins this season, and the club hopes Palladino’s appointment can spark a revival, particularly among the team’s recent signings, such as Nikola Krstovic, who have struggled to make an impact.

Juric, notably, was sacked by Roma in November 2024 before joining Atalanta earlier this year.