By Ghazali Ibrahim
Ademola Lookman delivered a brilliant performance, scoring twice as Atalanta demolished Empoli 5-0 on Sunday in Serie A action.
The Nigerian forward, who had recently come under criticism from Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini after missing a penalty in their UEFA Champions League loss to Club Brugge, responded in style with a stunning brace.
Lookman opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, capitalizing on a Mario Retegui assist, rounding the goalkeeper to net Atalanta’s third goal.
In the second half, Lookman struck again, driving forward from midfield before slotting a precise left-footed shot into the bottom right corner to seal his double.
With 17 goals and 7 assists in just 29 appearances this season, Lookman has been in exceptional form, becoming the first player in the last three Serie A seasons to score more than ten goals in each campaign, according to Opta.
Atalanta had already taken control with an Emmanuel Gyasi own goal and a Retegui strike before Lookman’s brace.
Davide Zappacosta added a fifth goal, assisted by Mario Pasalic, to complete the dominant performance.
Lookman’s sensational form is a major boost for Nigeria as they prepare for their vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
