“I repeat, the goal is mine” – Super Eagles attacker insists he was robbed of second Serie A goal at Monza

The Nigeria international was the creative mastermind of the victory that powered Atalanta to the top of the Italian league table at the weekend

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is convinced he should have been credited with Atalanta’s second goal in the Godesses’ hard-fought 2-0 win at Monza on Sunday.

Atalanta met stiff opposition from the newly promoted side in the first half of their matchday five clash at the U-Power Stadium.

But Lookman’s magic unlocked the home side’s defence early in the second half.

The Nigeria international sent in a delicious left-footed cross for 19-year-old striker Rasmus Højlund to tap in for Atalanta’s opener.

The visitors’ second goal arrived shortly after, with Lookman’s name written all over it. The former Leicester City winger met a delicate cross at the back post with a firm touch, with the ball destined for the net.

But Monza defender Marlon had the final touch as he attempted to clear the ball off the line, and the strike was eventually ruled as an own goal.

How did Lookman feel about the encounter?

In his reaction to the encounter, Lookman expressed his delight at the win that pushed unbeaten Atalanta two points clear of Victor Osimhen’s Napoli atop the Serie A table.

The Nigerian forward, a €15 million signing from Leipzig, equally admits that the Italian top flight is a demanding championship.

But the 24-year-old maintains that Atalanta’s second goal was no own goal and it should have been credited to him.

“Definitely, the second half was better,” Lookman said. “I think we created many more chances in the second half; we played much better. And we won the game.

“I am enjoying Italian football. It’s tough; it’s a tough football: I’m adapting more and more, and I’m working hard to improve.

“I think the 2-0 goal is mine. I repeat, the goal is mine. But what matters is that we have taken the three points and that we are first.

“It is the most important thing to have 13 points and to be in the lead. We are winning and we are there. It is a testament to our work on the pitch and our daily training, our desire to improve and strive to be better.”

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been full of praises for Lookman for his performances in the Blue and Black kits.

In five league matches for Atalanta, Lookman has registered a goal and two assists.

The Atalanta number 11 will look to add to his tally when the Goddesses host struggling Cremonese at the weekend.