Photo Credit - Atalanta.
Nigeria international Ademola Lookman put aside Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s comments that he was not a good penalty taker after he scored a brace to inspire the Italian side to a 5-0 thumping of Empoli in a Serie A fixture at Stadio Carlo Castellani on Sunday.
The Super Eagle received a backlash from Gasperini after his missed penalty saw Atalanta fail to qualify for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League following a 3-1 home defeat against Club Brugge at Gewiss Stadium last Tuesday.
However, Lookman returned a big show in the demolition of Empoli, notching a brace in the 43rd and 55th minute before he was withdrawn. Despite playing away, Atalanta grabbed the opener in the 27th minute when Ghanaian winger Emmanuel Gyasi bundled the ball into his own net while trying to clear a dangerous cross.
Six minutes later, it was 2-0 for Atalanta when Mateo Rategeu finished off a well-laid cross from Berat Djimsiti. Rategeu then turned the provider, setting up Lookman to slot home the third in the 43rd minute.
Lookman’s show did not end there, after the start of the second half, the Super Eagle drilled home the fourth, this time latching onto a cross from Marten de Roon to slot home.
Davide Zappacosta then rounded off the emphatic victory in the 74th minute after finishing off a cross from Mario Pasalic. Lookman, was, however, withdrawn in the 88th minute for Juan Cuadrado to a standing ovation from Atalanta fans.
The win kept Atalanta three points behind table leaders Inter Milan. Atalanta have amassed 54 points from 26 matches, while Inter have 57 and second-placed Napoli have accumulated 56.
Following the brace, Lookman has scored 12 Serie A goals this season from 20 matches and provided five assists.
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