Ademola Lookman scores on Atalanta return from 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian attacker, Ademola Lookman returned to starting line up for Atalanta for the first time in 2024 and was able to register his eighth Serie A goal in their 2-1 home loss to Bologna.

The Super Eagles’ forward was handed first start on Sunday since he returned from African Cup of Nations, AFCON where he helped his country to finish as runners up.

The encounter at Gewiss Stadium was all about tussle for the top four finish with both sides giving it the performance it required.

After a dominant start to the match by the hosts, they find the back of the net in the 28th minutes as Lookman reached to the end of rebound effort after Bologna goalkeeper parried Davide Zapacosta’s tamed shot.

The former Everton winger has now been involved in 11 goals (8 goals, three assists) for the Le Dea.

Bologna staged a comeback in the second with two quick goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Lewis Ferguson.

Gian Pierro Gasperinni tweaked his team in the closing stages with four changes in search of equalizer but a combination of poor finishing and a near perfect Bologna denied them.

The victory, however cemented  Bologna’s fourth position on the log just as it has bleaked Atalanta’s top four finish.