Ademola Lookman delivered an distinctive efficiency on Sunday night, scoring a brace as Atalanta thrashed Empoli 5-0, additional solidifying his popularity as considered one of Serie A’s high skills. Regardless of latest criticism from supervisor Gian Piero Gasperini, Lookman was undeterred and showcased his capability by making historical past along with his two targets.
Based on Opta, the Nigerian ahead grew to become the primary participant to attain over ten targets in every of the final three Serie A seasons. He achieved this milestone along with his first purpose within the forty third minute, persevering with a exceptional run of consistency in Italy’s high league.
Lookman had confronted scrutiny following his missed penalty in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Membership Brugge, with Gasperini questioning his determination to take the spot-kick. The 25-year-old responded to the criticism by calling it disrespectful, however he made certain to go away the controversy behind him with a superb efficiency on the pitch.
His first purpose got here simply earlier than halftime, after he rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the online following a move from Mario Retegui. Within the second half, Lookman accomplished his brace with an excellent left-footed strike from exterior the field, driving ahead from the centre circle earlier than discovering the underside proper nook, assisted by Marten de Roon.
With 17 targets and seven assists in 29 matches throughout all competitions this season, Lookman’s present type is nothing wanting spectacular. He was changed within the 76th minute by Colombian fullback Juan Cuadrado.
Earlier than Lookman’s brace, Atalanta had already taken a 2-0 lead because of an personal purpose from Emmanuel Gyasi and a strike from Mario Retegui. Italian defender Davide Zappacosta sealed the 5-0 victory with a closing purpose, assisted by Mario Pasalic.
Lookman’s continued success is a large enhance for Nigeria, with supervisor Eric Chelle set to depend on him within the essential 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
