Moggi Slams Lookman Over Atalanta Contract Dispute

Veteran Italian football administrator Luciano Moggi has criticised Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman over his ongoing standoff with Atalanta, calling on Serie A authorities to enforce stricter penalties against players and coaches who fail to honour contractual agreements.

Writing in his column for Libero, the former Juventus and Napoli director accused Lookman of disregarding the terms of his deal with Atalanta, describing him as a symbol of what he sees as a growing culture of contractual indiscipline in Italian football.

“Our football is in disarray,” Moggi lamented. “Rules are no longer respected, ideas are drying up, and even money is disappearing.”

He argued that players are increasingly dictating the terms of their employment, often refusing club directives or presenting medical excuses to force transfers to preferred destinations. “It happened with Teun Koopmeiners last year, and Lookman is doing the same this year,” Moggi noted.

The 86-year-old further questioned the value of long-term contracts in this environment, insisting that financial sanctions no longer serve as effective deterrents. “Fines are too easily absorbed. To restore order, the league must impose tougher measures, including lengthy suspensions,” he wrote.

Moggi’s comments come amid uncertainty over Lookman’s future, with several European clubs reportedly interested in the Super Eagles star following his impressive form for both Atalanta and Nigeria.