Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has lauded Ademola Lookman as part of an elite trio following a commanding 3-0 victory over Serie A leaders Napoli.
Lookman, who scored a stunning first-half brace at the iconic Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, played a key role in setting the tone for the match and quelling early anxieties, Footballrover reports.
His exceptional performance, which earned him the Man-of-the-Match award, continues to lift his status as a key player in the teamâs attacking lineup.
The victory showed Atalanta’s powerful attacking display, with Belgian striker Charles De Ketelaere contributing two assists for Lookmanâs goals.
Mario Retegui came off the bench to score his 11th goal of the season, further emphasising the potency of this elite group.
Gasperini expressed his satisfaction with the collective effort of the 27-year-old Nigerian, Retegui, and De Ketelaere, recognising their ability to perform at high levels against tough opponents.
.@Alookman_ art đšâœ#NapoliAtalanta #GoAtalantaGo â«đ” pic.twitter.com/QWvltcXyVu
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) November 4, 2024
Gasperini acknowledged the ongoing development of the team, stating that the players have grown in both personality and technique.
Ademola Lookman: Key player for Atalanta and Super Eagles
While he praised Ademola and his outstanding companions for their performances, he also noted the potential within the squad for others to reach similar heights.
However, the Italian gaffer emphasised that balancing the use of these top players will be essential due to the demanding schedule ahead.
“Lookman, De Ketelaere, and Retegui are very strong, and besides them we also have Zaniolo, who we couldnât use today. Those three are on a higher step, but the others can reach it too. We canât always use all three given the many matches, but you can also make a difference from the bench,â the Italian gaffer said as quoted by Footitalia.
With Atalanta currently sitting third in the Serie A table, just three points behind Napoli, the coach remains optimistic about their title aspirations.
He pointed out that eleven new players have joined the squad this season, which has contributed to their attacking prowess, as the former Leicester City star and his top colleagues have combined for an impressive 31 goals in just 11 league matches.
As Atalanta prepares to face VFB Stuttgart in the upcoming Champions League clash, Gasperini hopes to see Lookman continue his exceptional form.
His contributions will not only be vital for Atalanta but also for the Super Eagles, who are looking set to hit the road for critical AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda later this month.
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