New Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino says he is confident of building a strong relationship with Ademola Lookman despite the recent transfer tensions involving the Nigerian forward and the club.
Palladino, appointed last Tuesday, has had only a handful of players available during the international break, forcing the club to delay his introductory press conference until yesterday.
The 40-year-old now turns his attention to his first major test: tomorrow’s clash with Antonio Conte’s Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona — a return to his hometown.
Speaking ahead of the game, Palladino revealed that he has already held discussions with Lookman, who was away on international duty with Nigeria during the ill-fated CAF Play-Offs in Morocco. The coach expressed optimism that their early conversations have set the tone for a healthy and productive working dynamic.
“I phoned all the players who were away on international duty and Ademola presented himself very well to me,” Palladino reportedly said at his press conference yesterday. “I will evaluate his playing time based on what I see in his training sessions, just like all the others.”
Lookman has endured a turbulent few months, marked by strained relationships with former Atalanta bosses Gian Piero Gasperini and Ivan Jurić following the collapse of a move to Inter Milan. Palladino, however, believes the slate can be wiped clean.
With Atalanta seeking stability and consistent performances in the Serie A this season, Palladino’s ability to reintegrate Lookman could prove vital in the weeks ahead.
