Ademola Lookman, fresh off his crowning as African Footballer of the Year, made a triumphant return to Atalanta’s starting XI, scoring a pivotal goal in their 3-2 victory over Empoli. This win propelled La Dea to the top of Serie A, extending their lead to two points and solidifying their record-breaking streak of 11 consecutive league victories. Lookman’s pre-match presentation of his CAF award set the stage for a memorable performance, as he slotted home a crucial goal just before half-time, giving Atalanta a 2-1 lead after initially trailing to an early Empoli strike. The Nigerian international’s consistent brilliance this season, with nine goals and four assists in 14 league appearances, and 12 goals and five assists across all competitions, underscores his importance to Atalanta’s success.
Lookman’s goal against Empoli was a testament to his predatory instincts and clinical finishing. He expertly converted from a tight angle after receiving a nodded-down cross from Nicolò Zaniolo, who had latched onto Charles De Ketelaere’s initial delivery. This goal proved crucial in the context of the match, as Empoli later equalized from the penalty spot, setting the stage for De Ketelaere’s eventual winner, which secured a hard-fought three points for Atalanta. The victory showcased Atalanta’s resilience and unwavering belief in their ability to win, even when faced with adversity. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini lauded his team’s spirit and relentless pursuit of victory, highlighting their ability to fight back and secure vital points even on days when they weren’t at their best.
The win against Empoli carries significant historical weight for Atalanta, as it guarantees they will spend Christmas at the Serie A summit for the first time in their 116-year history. This achievement marks another milestone in their remarkable 2024/25 campaign, building on the success of the previous season, where they secured their first European trophy, the Europa League, thanks in large part to Lookman’s historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final. Gasperini emphasized the importance of maintaining their winning mentality as they look to replicate and even surpass the achievements of 2024. The team’s ambition is clear: to secure their first-ever Serie A title, adding another historic chapter to their rapidly evolving story.
Lookman’s exceptional form has not gone unnoticed, with his market value soaring from €30m at the end of 2023 to an impressive €55m, making him the second most valuable Nigerian player, trailing only Victor Osimhen. His stellar year included instrumental contributions to Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations final in February, where he registered three goals and two assists. His Europa League heroics further cemented his status as a top-tier player, culminating in a respectable 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings. His recent CAF Award triumph adds another accolade to his burgeoning career, making him the seventh Nigerian to receive this prestigious honour, joining the ranks of legendary figures like Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Osimhen.
The Nigerian forward’s continued excellence has inevitably attracted the attention of several European giants. Liverpool recently saw an approach for Lookman rebuffed by Atalanta, who are determined to retain their star player. Atalanta President Antonio Percassi has publicly stated the club’s intention to maintain their current squad through the January transfer window, emphasizing their focus on the ongoing season. This stance underscores Lookman’s integral role in Atalanta’s ambitious project, which includes a Champions League campaign and the pursuit of their maiden Serie A title.
Lookman’s immediate priority is to maintain Atalanta’s impressive run of form and contribute to their historic title challenge. His individual success is intertwined with the team’s aspirations, creating a symbiotic relationship that has propelled Atalanta to new heights. The club’s unwavering faith in Lookman, coupled with his exceptional talent and dedication, has created a compelling narrative of ambition and achievement, positioning Atalanta as a force to be reckoned with in Italian and European football. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Atalanta can maintain their momentum and translate their impressive start into silverware, with Lookman undoubtedly playing a pivotal role in their quest for glory.
