- Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning brace as Atalanta thrashed Empoli 5-0 in Serie A
- Notably, Lookman made Serie A history, becoming the first player to score over ten goals in three consecutive seasons since 2022/23
- Lookman’s brace comes after he was criticised heavily for missing a penalty in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman delivered a sensational response to his recent criticism by netting twice as Atalanta dismantled Empoli 5-0 in their Serie A clash on Sunday evening, February 23.
The Nigerian forward, who had been under scrutiny for missing a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, let his performance do the talking with a clinical display. His brace not only propelled his side to a clear victory but also placed his name up in Serie A history.
According to Opta, Lookman became the first player to score more than ten goals in each of the last three Serie A seasons since the 2022/2023 season, which proves his consistency in Italy’s top flight.
Despite the controversy surrounding his penalty miss and Gian Piero Gasperini’s harsh criticism, Lookman showed no signs of being affected. He opened his scoring account in the 43rd minute, skillfully rounding the goalkeeper after a precise pass from Mario Retegui.
He doubled his tally in the second half, collecting a pass from Marten de Roon before driving forward and slotting a composed left-footed strike into the bottom right corner.
Emmanuel Gyasi’s own goal and a strike from Retegui had already put Atalanta in control before Lookman’s heroics, while Davide Zappacosta rounded off the dominant win with a late goal.
Lookman now boasts 17 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances this season, a form that will also be a huge boost for Nigeria ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
More to follow…
Lookman’s strike not enough as Real Madrid edges Atalanta, Ancelotti praises team
Previously, TheRadar reported that Spanish giants Real Madrid reignited their UEFA Champions League campaign hopes with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta, overcoming an early injury to star forward Kylian Mbappé.
Lookman’s creativity nearly earned Atalanta a dramatic equaliser in injury time, but substitute Mateo Retegui squandered the golden opportunity, blasting over from six yards out.
