Palladino Lookman relationship improves as Atalanta’s new manager says talks with the Nigerian forward were positive ahead of his Napoli debut

Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino has said he expects to build a positive working relationship with Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman despite recent tensions surrounding the player’s aborted transfer to Inter Milan.

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Palladino, who was appointed last Tuesday, addressed the media at his presentation in Bergamo after delaying the session due to a limited squad during the international break.

His first match in charge comes on Saturday away to Antonio Conte’s Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in his home city.

The manager confirmed that he had spoken directly with Lookman, who had been away with Nigeria during the CAF play offs in Morocco.

He said the 2024 Africa Footballer of the Year responded professionally and that any future involvement would depend solely on performances in training.

Palladino’s comments come after a difficult few months for the forward, who endured strained relations with former Atalanta coaches Gian Piero Gasperini and Ivan Juric following the collapse of his transfer to Inter.

The new coach expressed optimism that their discussions would mark a fresh start for the player.

Speaking about the task ahead, Palladino said he was determined to restore confidence in the squad and re-establish the identity that had defined Atalanta’s rise in recent seasons.

He praised the club’s hierarchy, including the Percassi family, Stephen Pagliuca and Tony D’Amico, for entrusting him with what he called a major opportunity.

In his early meetings with players, he emphasised intensity, work ethic and the grit long associated with the team.

With Atalanta enduring a slow start to the Serie A campaign, he acknowledged the limited time available but insisted that positive results must follow quickly.

Palladino added that his priority is securing European qualification, describing the squad as strong and well reinforced after recent signings.

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He said he believes fully in the quality at his disposal and expects the group to deliver more as the season progresses.