Ademola Lookman, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, is set to return to the pitch for Atalanta in their Serie A clash against Empoli on Sunday. His presence is highly anticipated following his absence in the midweek Coppa Italia victory due to his award ceremony in Morocco, where he became the seventh Nigerian to receive the prestigious accolade. Lookman’s contributions this season have been pivotal to Atalanta’s impressive run of 10 consecutive Serie A victories. His 11 goals and five assists in 19 appearances across all competitions underscore his impact on the team’s success, further solidifying his rising stature in the world of football.
Lookman’s performances have not only propelled Atalanta’s achievements but have also significantly boosted his market value, which now stands at an impressive €55m. This surge in value has understandably attracted the attention of several European giants, including Liverpool. Despite the growing interest, Atalanta’s president, Antonio Percassi, has firmly stated the club’s intention to retain Lookman, indicating no plans for any changes to the squad during the January transfer window. This commitment underscores Atalanta’s recognition of Lookman’s crucial role in their ambitions for continued success.
Atalanta, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, have displayed remarkable form this season, winning 12 out of their 16 league matches. Their consistent performance keeps them firmly in contention for four major trophies, including the Serie A title. Their recent triumph in the Europa League last May, secured by Lookman’s memorable hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, serves as further testament to their competitive prowess and underlines the Nigerian’s ability to deliver in crucial moments. This consistent success has positioned Atalanta as a serious contender on multiple fronts, adding further weight to Lookman’s importance to the team.
Lookman’s recognition as Africa’s best player is not an isolated achievement. His impressive 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings further cements his status as a rising star in global football. This achievement places him in the company of the world’s elite players and signifies his growing influence on the international stage. His consistent performances and accolades further highlight his importance to Atalanta, both domestically and in European competitions.
Atalanta enter Sunday’s match with a historically favourable record against Empoli. Having lost only one of their last 12 Serie A home games against Empoli, and with convincing victories in their last four encounters, Atalanta will be confident of continuing their winning streak. However, they will be without their captain, Marten de Roon, due to suspension, while Giorgio Scalvini remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, joining Gianluca Scamacca on the injury list. These absences, although significant, are unlikely to deter Atalanta’s focus on securing a victory.
A victory against Empoli on Sunday would mark a historic moment for Atalanta, ensuring their position at the top of the Serie A table as they head into the Christmas period. This would be the first time in their 116-year history that they have achieved this feat, adding further significance to the match. With Lookman’s return to the squad, Atalanta are poised to capitalize on their current form and continue their impressive run in Serie A, aiming to cement their position as title contenders and potentially create history for the club. This victory would not only solidify their current standing but also serve as a powerful statement of intent for the remainder of the season.
