Serie A: Atalanta boss says 13-goal hero Ademola Lookman will not play against Fiorentina

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed that Ademola Lookman will not be in the squad that travels to face Fiorentina in the Serie A on Monday night, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Gasperini explained that the Super Eagles forward has stopped training due to a small physical problem.

The veteran Italian tactician insists that Lookman’s injury is not causing concern, but it will keep him out of the next championship match against La Viola.

Lookman had been expected to feature in the starting eleven for the Blue-and-Blacks. The 25-year-old is Atalanta’s top goalscorer in Serie A this term, with 13 goals in 28 games.

The former RB Leipzig ace has also contributed four assists and two other goals in the Coppa Italia.

Lookman’s absence is a blow for Atalanta, who are currently sitting in sixth place in the Serie A standings, with 48 points from 29 games played. A win could see the Goddess leapfrog Inter Milan into fifth place.

Fiorentina, on the other hand, are in 9th place with 41 points, with a defeat likely to extinguish any flicker of hope left for a European qualification spot.

The match will take place at the Artemio Franchi Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 8.45 pm on Monday.

Gasperini will be hoping that his team can cope without Lookman and secure a valuable victory to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive.