Italian Media Slam Lookman After Nigeria’s World Cup Exit

Ademola Lookman is facing strong criticism in Italy following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and his slow start to the season with Atalanta.

Nigeria were knocked out in the final playoff last week, losing on penalties to DR Congo. After the defeat, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport published a sharp commentary on the 28-year-old forward. Journalist Stefano Agresti wrote that the player who once led Atalanta to European success “has clearly lost his way,” adding that “everything is wrong; he got everything wrong.”

Agresti claimed Lookman’s problems began in the summer when he pushed for a transfer to Inter. According to the report, he “decided to break ties” with Atalanta, refused to join pre-season training, and deleted club photos from his Instagram. Atalanta reportedly rejected any bids below €50m, and the fallout saw Lookman frozen out for weeks.

Although he later returned to group training, his form has dipped. Lookman has managed just one goal in ten matches across all competitions this season. His current contract with Atalanta runs until June 2027.