Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio has announced the termination of Ivan Jurić’s contract as first‑team head coach, following a disappointing start to the 2025‑26 season. The club confirmed the decision in a statement issued on 10 November 2025, after a 3‑0 home defeat to U.S. Sassuolo Calcio left them 13th in Serie A.
Jurić had taken charge in June 2025, succeeding the long‑serving Gian Piero Gasperini. Under his leadership, Atalanta secured only two league wins from their first eleven matches, falling well below expectations.
In addition to the poor results, sources report that Jurić’s relationship with star forward Ademola Lookman deteriorated during his tenure. Lookman had expressed frustration at the club in the summer transfer window, submitting a formal transfer request after a reported €45 million bid from Inter Milan was turned down.
Ahead of a Serie A fixture against U.S. Lecce in September, Jurić publicly stated:
“I have a very good relationship with him, but I don’t have to beg him to play. On the contrary, we are Atalanta and we represent the city. We need work, humility, these are different values.”
This statement came as Lookman was omitted from the match‑day squad, with Jurić describing the circumstances as “a truly unpleasant and difficult situation.”
Tensions escalated further in early November during a UEFA Champions League match when Lookman was substituted in the 75th minute of a goalless game. On the touchline, the pair visibly exchanged words and Jurić was seen grabbing Lookman’s arm — prompting intervention from coaching staff. After the match, Jurić sought to downplay the incident as “normal football emotion” and stated that it had been resolved internally.
In September, Jurić reported that the dispute with Lookman was “a closed issue,” following Lookman’s reintegration into training and the squad. Nonetheless, the overall strains — both on‑field results and off‑field dynamics — appear to have contributed to the decision.
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