Atalanta’s newly appointed head coach, Raffaele Palladino, has expressed confidence that he will build a positive relationship with Ademola Lookman, despite the transfer-related tensions that recently surrounded the Nigerian forward.
Palladino, who officially took charge last Tuesday, had only a handful of players available during the international break, prompting the club to delay his unveiling press conference until yesterday. As he prepares for his first game in charge—an away clash against Antonio Conte’s Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, located in his hometown—the coach revealed that he had already reached out to the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, who was away with Nigeria for the ill-fated CAF play-off fixtures in Morocco.
Lookman has endured challenging months marked by strained relations with former Atalanta managers Gian Piero Gasperini and Ivan Jurić, particularly after his proposed move to Inter Milan collapsed. However, Palladino suggested that early conversations with the forward have been encouraging, and he is optimistic about a fresh start.
“I called every player who was on international duty, and Ademola made a very good impression,” Palladino told reporters. “Like everyone else, his playing time will depend on what I observe in training.”
Reflecting on his new role, the former Monza coach said he is eager to restore belief and identity within the squad.
“I’m delighted to be at Atalanta. It’s a prestigious club, and I intend to give everything to uphold its standard,” he said, acknowledging the support of the Percassi family, Stephen Pagliuca, and Tony D’Amico for entrusting him with the position.
Palladino explained that his initial focus has been on reigniting the trademark Atalanta intensity—built on hard work, determination, and a strong collective mentality. “From the first meetings with the players, I emphasized rediscovering the DNA of Atalanta—sacrifice and grit. This identity has always distinguished this team.”
Though he admits that time is limited, he insisted that results must come quickly. Despite the club’s slow start to the Serie A campaign, Palladino already has his ambitions mapped out.
“Our goal is European qualification. The squad is talented, the club invested well, and I believe this team is capable of much more. I have great faith in these players,” he added.
