Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, calling him the team’s most lively player despite their frustrating 0-0 draw against Venezia in the Serie A.
Lookman and his teammates struggled to break through in the match at the Gewiss Stadium, missing key opportunities that could have secured a win in their push for the league title. The biggest miss came in the 83rd minute when Lookman fired over the bar from close range after a flicked header from Sead Kolasinac found him unmarked.
Gasperini, who had recently criticized Lookman following Atalanta’s Champions League exit, acknowledged the forward’s impact even though he did not score.
“Lookman remains our most lively player,” Gasperini told SportItalia. “He created multiple chances and was always in dangerous positions, but we weren’t sharp enough to convert them. Retegui also had chances, but right now, we are not precise enough.”
With Atalanta falling behind in the title race, Gasperini will be hoping Lookman rediscovers his finishing touch in the coming games.
Lookman’s Impressive Stats
Despite missing some games due to injury, Lookman has been a key player for Atalanta this season. He has scored 15 goals and provided five assists in Serie A, making him the club’s second-highest scorer behind Mateo Retegui, who has 21 goals.
Since joining from RB Leipzig in 2022, the former Everton forward has established himself as one of the league’s top attackers, scoring 49 goals and providing 23 assists in 107 matches for Atalanta.
Transfer Interest Grows
Amid tensions between Lookman and Gasperini, reports suggest Atalanta could consider selling him if they receive offers around €65m (£53.8m).
Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Inter Milan are reportedly monitoring the situation, while Manchester United and Newcastle are also interested. United see Lookman as a key addition under new manager Ruben Amorim, while Newcastle want him to strengthen their attack.
