Nigerian international Ademola Lookman delivered a stellar performance and won the Man of the Match with a brace and an assist in Atalanta‘s 5-0 victory over Empoli in Serie A fixture on Sunday.
Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year’s display bolstered Atalanta’s title aspirations and marked a triumphant return after recent criticism from manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
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Lookman, who was publicly criticised for a penalty miss in Atalanta’s Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, put aside any lingering issues to showcase his impressive scoring form.
Atalanta opened the scoring with an own goal from Empoli’s Emmanuel Gyasi in the 27th minute. Mateo Retegui then extended the lead, with Lookman providing an assist for the third goal. Retegui returned the favour, setting up Lookman’s first goal in the 43rd minute.
Lookman continued his scoring spree in the second half, firing home a powerful shot from Marten de Roon’s pass. David Zappacosta completed the rout with a fifth goal.
Lookman’s performance brings his tally to three goals in two games since his return from injury and 12 goals and five assists in 20 Serie A appearances this season.
The victory propels Atalanta to third place in Serie A standings, just three points behind league leaders Inter Milan. They will next face Venezia in Serie A.
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