Ex-Serie A director: Lookman ‘stubborn’, Vlahovic ‘masochistic’

TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 16: Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Juventus and Borussia Dortmund at Juventus Stadium on September 16, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Former Napoli, Udinese and Atalanta director Piero Paolo Marino feels Ademola Lookman will lose the battle with Atalanta, while Dusan Vlahovic has been ‘masochistic’ despite excellent performances with Juventus.

Former Serie A director Marino shared his view on two of the most debated Serie A strikers in recent weeks, Atalanta’s Lookman and Juventus’ Vlahovic.

Lookman tried to force a move to Inter during the summer transfer window, but La Dea rejected any offer below €50m and pushed the Nigeria star to remain in Bergamo at least until January.

Vlahovic, on the other hand, didn’t push to leave Juventus, but also refused to extend his expiring contract in Turin.

While Lookman has yet to make his first competitive appearance for Atalanta this season, Vlahovic has scored four goals in four appearances with Juventus and is currently the best scorer in Turin.

Marino: Lookman will lose battle with Atalanta

“The Atalanta management, led by Percassi, has been exemplary. Nobody would want to have such a complicated case in their hands. Lookman has shown himself to be in that group of ‘stubborn’ players who think more with their wallets and cynicism than with their heads,” Marino told TMW.

“For me, this matter will end with Lookman’s defeat. Honestly, I don’t know if he will be a recoverable player, but certainly not because of Atalanta. He had already given signs of his way of interpreting professionalism in his relationship with Gasperini.”

Marino still expects Lookman to leave in the winter transfer window.

“The problem will come up again in January, since all the big clubs in difficulty go after strikers, and therefore, the market will hardly leave him in Bergamo,” he said.

Marino ‘curious to see’ Vlahovic’s attitude in February

“Vlahovic is a player who strikes me,” Marino added.

“He seems a bit masochistic. First, he sets himself against the club, the fans and the press. He doesn’t want to renew, and that’s fine, but for me, the real question is why the previous management let him run down his contract. He’s masochistic because when he has the entire environment against him, he produces the most brilliant displays and performances. He was phenomenal last night.

“It’s difficult to judge his future. Starting in February, he’ll be able to sign with other clubs and at that point, what will Vlahovic’s performance be like once he knows he has other future interests? Will he risk his legs? I’m curious to see his attitude from February onwards. For now, I can only congratulate him on his performances.”