Ademola Lookman Returns to Atalanta Squad Ahead of Torino Clash

Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has confirmed that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will be available for Sunday’s Serie A clash against Torino, though he admitted the winger is still working his way back to peak condition.

Lookman, 27, trained with the first team on Thursday for the first time this season after spending weeks pushing for a move to Inter Milan during the summer transfer window. While the transfer did not materialize, Juric revealed that the Super Eagles star was warmly welcomed back into the squad.

“He’s spoken with me, the team and my staff. He was well received and from tomorrow, he will begin to be available to us,” Juric said at his pre-match press conference.
“He’s not in the best condition given that he’s been training alone up until now. He did very well in training (on Friday).”

Although he has yet to make an appearance for Atalanta this season, Lookman featured for Nigeria during the recent international break, proving he remains sharp enough to play at the highest level.

Opinion: A Delicate but Promising Return

Lookman’s return feels like a win-win moment for Atalanta. On one hand, the club regains one of its most dynamic attackers, a player whose pace and creativity were vital last season. On the other, it is also a chance for Lookman to rebuild trust with fans after his attempted move away.

The fact that he was “warmly received” suggests there’s no lingering bitterness in the dressing room—a positive sign for team chemistry. Still, Juric is right to manage expectations. A player who has been training alone will need time to find rhythm, and rushing him back too quickly could risk injury or underperformance.

For Atalanta supporters, the real hope is simple: that Lookman can rediscover the form that made him one of Serie A’s standout wingers last season. If he does, both club and player could turn this uneasy chapter into a fresh start filled with goals and joy.