Ademola Lookmam: Atalanta coach Gian Gasperini lauds impact of Nigeria striker 

By Wale Mustapha

The impressive form of Nigeria striker, Ademola Lookman with his Italian club side, Atalanta has drawn more praises from his coach, Gian Piero Gasperinni.

Lookman has been in outstanding form in his first season with La Dea since he joined from Leicester City.

Nigeria international has scored 11 Serie A goals in 19 league appearances this season and Gasperini is thrilled with the form of Lookman ahead of his side’s weekend clash against Sampdoria.

“He played right away, he was always involved in matches. He immediately showed that he has experience, he had significant growth in clubs where they know football,” the manager told media.

“He was at Leipzig, then he played in England. There he was employed a bit distant from goal, but I immediately realised that he had the right characteristics for what we’ve been looking for some time.

“(Sporting director) Lee Congerton was very good, he had already seen the team play from February-March: there were important negotiations with other players, but he was always convinced of the characteristics of Lookman and how I played and how I wanted to use him. He immediately entered well.”

Atalanta are in position for continental football next season as they currently sits six on the Serie A log with 35 points from 19 games.