Atalanta boss Gasperini credits Ademola Lookman for Europa League success

By Saheed Afolabi

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has credited the club’s Europa League triumph last season to the individual brilliance of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.

Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s success, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, a match that featured fellow Nigerians Victor Boniface and Nathaniel Tella.

Gasperini stressed that Lookman’s standout performance was crucial in helping the club secure the prestigious European title.

“We are in a good period of form in Italy and Europe,” Gasperini said in a recent press conference.

“I’m happy with the performances and results we are getting. Winning the Europa League last season helped us grow in confidence and self-belief.

“Many new players have arrived and are improving, but it was last season’s success, driven by players like Lookman, that set the tone.”

Gasperini went on to emphasize how Lookman’s contribution has been integral to Atalanta’s continued success, with the club currently sitting second in Serie A and performing strongly in the UEFA Champions League, where they are in fifth place.

Lookman’s impact on both domestic and European fronts has helped Atalanta remain competitive at the highest levels of club football, and Gasperini is clearly optimistic about the future with such influential players leading the charge.