Italian media has showered praise on Ademola Lookman following the Nigerian forward’s stellar performance in Atalanta’s 4-0 demolition of Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday.
Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s emphatic victory, capping off a dominant display with his team’s fourth goal after strikes from Mateo Retegui, Marten de Roon, and Davide Zappacosta had already put Gian Piero Gasperini’s side in firm control.
His goal marked a significant milestone, bringing his tally to 50 goals in all competitions since joining the Italian club in 2022. Across 109 appearances, the Super Eagles star has now contributed 50 goals and 22 assists, underlining his immense impact.
Lookman’s Red-Hot Form Fuels Atalanta’s Title Ambitions
This season, Lookman has been in sensational form, notching 18 goals and seven assists in 31 matches, playing a crucial role in Atalanta’s push for the Serie A title. His latest performance reaffirmed his importance as Gasperini’s side climbed to third place in the league standings, just three points behind leaders Inter Milan.
Italian Press in Awe of Lookman’s Brilliance
Italy’s top sports publications were unanimous in their admiration of Lookman’s performance, hailing him as a driving force in Atalanta’s dominant display.
La Gazzetta dello Sport rated him 7.5, noting: “Not relentless at shooting first and unlucky at the post, but he creates the 2-0 and discards Vlahovic’s gift.”
Corriere della Sera echoed the sentiment, also awarding him 7.5, stating: “In the end, he even scores, but he had already shown his skills in pressing and attacking.”
Corriere dello Sport was even more generous, giving him 8, describing him as “a thorn in Juve’s side, full of speed and dribbling. He repeatedly tries to score, comes close three times before putting the exclamation point on Atalanta’s great night.”
Tuttosport also rated him 8, highlighting his danger in tight spaces and his impact in Atalanta’s attacking moves.
TuttoAtalanta was the most impressed, awarding him 8.5 and calling him “the symbol of the Nerazzurri victory,” praising his pressing, creativity, and clinical finishing.
TMW described his performance as “bordering on perfection,” further reinforcing the high praise.
Lookman’s Journey to the Top
Since arriving at Atalanta in 2022, Lookman has flourished under Gasperini’s system, overcoming past struggles at RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City. His performances helped Atalanta secure a historic UEFA Europa League title, where he starred with a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
His current form has also earned him a place in Nigeria’s 39-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will be hoping Lookman can replicate his club performances on the international stage as Nigeria looks to secure crucial qualification points.