Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning performance, grabbing a brace as Atalanta hammered Empoli in a five goal thriller on Sunday evening, despite recent criticism from manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year became the first player to score more than 10 goals in each of the last three Serie A campaigns, after getting on the score sheet in the 43rd minute.
Lookman had been under scrutiny after missing a penalty in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, with Gasperini questioning his decision to take the spot-kick.
The Nigerian forward responded by describing the criticism as disrespectful.
However, he put the controversy behind him with a brilliant display, scoring Atalanta’s third goal just before halftime.
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After receiving a pass from Mario Retegui, Lookman rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the net.
He completed his brace in the second half after a pass from Marten de Roon, driving forward from the center circle before finding the bottom right corner with a precise left-footed strike.
Lookman has now taken his season tally to 17 goals and seven assists in 29 matches across all competitions. He was eventually replaced in the 76th minute by Colombian fullback Juan Cuadrado.
Emmanuel Gyasi’s own goal and a strike from Mario Retegui put Atalanta two goals ahead before Ademola Lookman added to the tally.
Italian defender Davide Zappacosta sealed the victory with a fifth goal, finishing off an assist from Mario Pasalic.
Lookman’s current form is a major boost for Eric Chelle, who will be counting on him to deliver for Nigeria in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
