Ademola Lookmanthe Anglo-Nigerian striker who conquered Bergamo with his performances, was the first purchase wanted and sponsored by Lee Congerton, former Atalanta manager. Congerton, who now works in Saudi Arabia, had already tried to bring Lookman to Leicester, but it was with Atalanta that the attacker found his true consecration. In two years, Lookman scored 30 goals, many of them decisive, and contributed significantly to the successes of the Nerazzurri team.
HISTORICAL TRIPLE – The Europa League final in Dublin saw Lookman score a hat-trick, a feat not seen in a European final since 1975, when Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Jupp Heynckes scored three goals in the UEFA Cup. This exceptional performance allowed Atalanta to beat Bayer Leverkusen and lift the first international trophy in its history.
DECISIVE WHEN NEEDED – Lookman’s ability to score decisive goals was evident on many occasions. In the round of 16 against Sporting, it was he who restored parity and broke the deadlock against Marseille in the quarter-finals. Even in the semi-final of the Italian Cup against Fiorentina, his goal contributed significantly to the victory. Of the 30 goals scored in two years, more than half were fundamental to the final result, a fact that underlines his importance for the team.
GROWTH WITH GASPERINI – When Lookman arrived at Atalanta, he was considered a cross between a winger and a winger. However, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, he honed his skills and developed an incredible shooting ability. “When he came to us he was halfway between a winger and a winger,” Gasperini recalled, “but close to the goal he has immediate inspiration and shooting ability.”
THE SECRET – The secret of Lookman’s success lies in the way Gasperini showed him football and in the calm he found in Bergamo. “Gasperini made me see football in a different way, Bergamo gave me the calm to concentrate and think about football,” Lookman admitted. This serene environment allowed him to express his full potential, something he had failed to do at Leipzig, Everton, Fulham and Leicester.
THE FUTURE – Despite the hypotheses of a possible future transfer, especially towards the Premier League, Lookman is enjoying his Nerazzurri present. His bond with Atalanta is strong and the prospect of staying in Bergamo is concrete. With consistent performance and the ability to score at crucial moments, Lookman has become one of the brightest stars in European football.
