Brave Atalanta coach unfazed by PSG test without Lookman

Atalanta coach Ivan Juric remains unfazed ahead of their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, insisting his team must be brave, not scared, even without key forward Ademola Lookman.

The Serie A side face the reigning Champions League holders in their first match of the season on Wednesday at Parc des Princes. 

Despite the magnitude of the challenge, Juric wants his team to confront Champions League defending champions PSG head-on. 

"You have to be brave [against Paris]; they have great ball-playing skills and attacking speed. But you have to be brave: teams that drop back too much struggle more. So you have to face them head-on," Juric said, according to UEFA.com.

Lookman’s absence looms large for Atalanta. The Nigerian forward has once again been excluded from the squad, missing training and failing to make the list for the high-profile match. 

This marks a continued period of uncertainty and trouble for the Super Eagles star, who previously played an important role but now seems sidelined from Jurić’s plans.

Instead, the Atalanta boss is relying on other attacking options to step up. Players like ,Marten de Roon, the skipper, and Kamaldeen are expected to take on more responsibility in the final third as Atalanta look to challenge PSG without their key forward. 

The squad selected for the trip to Paris includes Charles De Ketelaere, Mario Pašalić, and Davide Zappacosta, but notably leaves out Africa’s Player of the Year, Lookman.

Despite the challenge, Juric remains curious and confident about facing PSG. "Not scared, but curious to see them in action. But we’ve prepared well, and we’ll face them as always, trying to put in a great performance," he added.

Atalanta now face one of their toughest tests in years without Lookman, with their coach calling for bravery and belief against the European champions.