Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman produced a stunning performance to help Atalanta to a 4-0 win over Juventus to boost their Serie A title hopes.
Lookman led the demolition charge at Juventus’ Stadium, making life difficult for their defenders all through the encounter, while also scoring a fine individual effort to mark his 50th goal for the club.
He came close to scoring twice in the first half when his effort hit the crossbar before he forced Juventus goalkeeper into a stunning save again.
Rategui opened the scoring for Atalanta in the 35th minute from the spot after Weston McKennie handled the ball inside the box.
Martin de Roon increased Atalanta’s lead from the rebound of a powerful shot by Ademola Lookman to make it 2-0.
Davide Zappacosta finished off a Kolasinac’s pass to make it 3-0 in the 66th minute.
Lookman put the icing on the cake with his 13th goal of the season when he took advantage of a sloppy pass from Juventus Dusan Vlahovic to unleash a powerful effort past Juventus goalkeeper in the 77th minute.
The Reigning African Player of the year has now scored 50 goals, and recorded 21 assists for Atalanta in 109 matches.
He has a phenomenal record of scoring 13 goals in just 20 starts in the Serie A this season with five assists, averaging a goal/assist every 83 minutes.
It was Lookman’s first-ever goal against Juventus in the Serie A, and it was a vital effort in Atalanta’s title ambitions.
The 27-year-old has now scored more goals than in his entire 2023-24 campaign with 10 matches to go.
Atalanta are now three points behind table-toppers Inter Milan in third, while they are one point behind second-placed Napoli.
Lookman’s performance drew praises from Atalanta’s coach, Gian Giasperini, who revealed that the Super Eagles forward will be honoured with the captain armband in their subsequent matches.
He said: “I am convinced he (Lookman) can be the captain before the end of the season.
“Lookman became a fantastic player when he improved his perception of the team. He used to have a more individual approach—not because he was selfish, but because he focused on his own game. Now, he has made Atalanta great, and Atalanta has made him great.”
Lookman, and Atalanta will hope to continue their impressive form when they take on Inter Milan on Sunday.
Lookman’s impressive form will be good music to the ears of Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle ahead of the team’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda, and Zimbabwe later this month.
