Atalanta head coach Ivan Juric has opened up about the club’s ongoing struggles in front of goal, pointing to the current form of some of his top forwards, including Nigerian international Ademola Lookman.
Speaking to DAZN after his side’s 1–1 draw with Cremonese on Saturday night, Juric said that while his team continues to create chances, their finishing has been below par in recent games.
The Bergamo-based club have scored just twelve goals in their first eight Serie A matches, a disappointing figure for a side known for their attacking flair.
“A bit of everything. Right now, we’re lacking a bit of polish, there’s no denying it,” Juric said, as quoted by TuttoAtalanta.
“We’re gradually reintroducing Scamacca, and each time he’s growing a little more. Lookman, after a difficult summer, is working to regain his form.”
The manager highlighted that both Gianluca Scamacca and Lookman were key to Atalanta’s success in previous seasons, but neither has hit top gear so far this campaign.
“These are players who in previous years made the difference and won games, but today they’re not yet at their best, and that’s having an impact,” Juric added.
“But the team, overall, makes few or no mistakes: they create plenty of chances, play, fight, but can’t convert all that into goals. It’s a question of brilliance, not quality or commitment.”
Lookman, who was one of Atalanta’s standout performers last season, has endured a slow start following a turbulent summer transfer saga that saw him linked with a move to Inter Milan.
The 28-year-old is yet to score or assist in six appearances across all competitions this term.
