Italian club Juventus and Paul Pogba announced on Friday that they have mutually agreed to terminate the midfielder’s contract on Nov. 30.

The 31-year-old had a deal with the Serie A club until June 2026 but is banned from playing until March next year after testing positive for DHEA, which boosts testosterone levels, in September 2023.

“The club wishes Paul all the best for his professional future,” Juventus said in a statement.

The former France international had his ban reduced from four years to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last month and thanked the Serie A club and the fans for their support.

“My time at Juventus has come to an end. It has been a privilege to wear the Bianconeri shirt and share so many special moments together. I will cherish the memories we have made,” the striker said in a statement. “I look forward to the next chapter of my career and to getting back on the pitch with my next club.”

-Reuters

Forward Ademola Lookman scored twice in the first half to inspire Atalanta to an emphatic 3-0 win at Serie A leaders Napoli on Sunday as the visitors moved second in the standings.

Lookman opened the scoring after 10 minutes, volleying home from close range after a headed cross from Charles De Ketelaere.

The Nigerian doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark with a long-range strike from another De Ketelaere pass, before substitute Mateo Retegui added the third in stoppage time to end Napoli’s 100% home league record this season.

Europa League champions Atalanta, provisionally second on 22 points, have cut the gap to their opponents at the top to three points. They are one point above third-placed Inter Milan, with a game in hand, and Juventus in fourth.

Napoli, who clinched a 2-0 win at AC Milan on Tuesday, were unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions, winning their previous five Serie A fixtures.

Striker Romelu Lukaku, who opened the scoring at Milan, had another chance for an early goal but Atalanta keeper Marco Carnesecchi saved his effort.

Scott McTominay went close to equalising for the hosts one minute after Lookman put Atalanta in front, but the Scotland midfielder struck the post.

Lookman increased Atalanta’s lead in the 31st minute, receiving a pass from De Ketelaere and firing home from distance.

He is now the Serie A player directly involved in the most goals in 2024 in all competitions with 16 goals and 11 assists.

Atalanta remained dangerous after the break, with Davide Zappacosta shooting just wide and defender Sead Kolasinac having his header from point-blank range disallowed for offside.

Lookman went close to finding the net again 15 minutes from time before Retegui wrapped up the points with a first-time shot from around the penalty spot.

Atalanta host eighth-placed Udinese on Nov. 10 after they travel to VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Napoli next visit champions Inter Milan.

-Reuters

Paul Pogba’s hopes of playing for Juventus again took a hit on Saturday when the club’s director Cristiano Giuntoli said that the Serie A side are complete without him.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who has a contract with Juve until June 2026, will end his doping ban in March after testing positive for DHEA in September 2023, a banned substance that boosts testosterone levels.

The former France international had his ban cut earlier this month from an initial four years to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and will be eligible to play for Juve as soon as the ban ends.

“Our position is clear. Pogba has been a great player, he has been out for a long time and last year we were forced to invest in other players,” Giuntoli told DAZN ahead of the club’s home match against Lazio.

“So now the squad is complete as it is.”

Juventus were not immediately available for comment.

-Reuters