Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman endured a turbulent outing as Atalanta slumped to a heavy 3-0 defeat against Sassuolo on Sunday, compounding a troubling run of results for the Bergamo club. Atalanta now languishes 13th in Serie A with just 13 points, following a string of disappointing performances including losses to Udinese and Sassuolo, alongside draws against AC Milan and Cremonese.

Tensions between Lookman and manager Ivan Jurić have intensified following a touchline dispute during Atalanta’s Europa League win over Marseille. Lookman’s frustration, reportedly stemming from blocked transfer offers last summer—including interest from Inter Milan—manifested publicly when he unfollowed the club on social media. Speculation now suggests Lookman may push for a January transfer as relations with management remain strained.

Against Sassuolo, Lookman started and played 78 minutes before being replaced by Kamaldeen Sulemana. He registered just one shot in the match, with body language indicating lingering frustration. This struggles mirror a broader pattern; Lookman’s previous fallout with former coach Gian Piero Gasperini, combined with opting out of pre-season, has contributed to fitness issues and just one goal this season across all competitions. Notable incidents, such as Jurić pulling him by the arm after substituting him in a win against Marseille, have kept the player in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Atalanta’s poor form has heightened scrutiny on Jurić, who has managed just four wins in 15 games since taking charge in July, reflecting a 27% win rate. Past managerial stints—Southampton (13%), AS Roma (33%), Torino (37%), Hellas Verona (30%)—reveal an inconsistent track record. Reports suggest the club is exploring replacements, with Thiago Motta and Roberto Mancini among the leading options should results not improve. Jurić, however, claims to be “unfazed” by speculation, acknowledging the team’s underperformance against Sassuolo and affirming the validity of fan chants urging greater effort.

On the international front, Lookman has been named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon, offering temporary relief from club issues. Yet, a managerial change at Atalanta could provide a reset for the winger, though his primary aim appears to be a permanent move away from Bergamo. His muted celebrations and declining form highlight a player eager for a fresh start after years of blocked transfer opportunities, including his celebrated UEFA Europa League breakthrough under Gasperini.