Serie A: Napoli’s Osimhen snubbed, Atalanta’s Lookman nominated for Gentleman Award

The two Nigeria internationals were among the best attackers in the Italian top flight last season, but only one has been recognised as a top gentleman

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has earned a spot among the eleven contenders for the prestigious 2023 Gentleman Fair Play Award.

The award recognises the player who exhibited the best conduct during the previous season, with nominees determined through online voting. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, formerly at AC Milan, claimed the award last year.

Lookman’s nomination is unsurprising, given his exceptional debut season in Italy’s top-tier league.

The former Everton attacker moved to Atalanta from RB Leipzig last summer and left his mark with an impressive performance. He netted 13 goals in 31 Serie A appearances, which only Victor Osimhen, Lautaro Martínez, Boulaye Dia, and Rafael Leão surpassed.

However, Lookman’s impact goes beyond scoring goals.

His on-field behaviour sets an example, as he is seldom seen engaging in disputes with opponents or contesting decisions made by match officials. Throughout the season, he received just three yellow cards, showcasing remarkable sportsmanship.

Interestingly, Osimhen, Lookman’s compatriot and Serie A’s most valuable player and top scorer last season, did not make the cut for the shortlist.

Lookman will face competition from other notable players, including Davide Calabria (AC Milan), Lautaro Martinez (Inter), Gaetano Castrovilli (Fiorentina), Nicolò Fagioli (Juventus), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Pablo Marì (Monza), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Paulo Dybala (Roma), Antonio Candreva (Salernitana), and Emil Audero (Sampdoria).

The award ceremony for the 28th edition of the Gentleman Fair Play Award will take place at the Scuola Militare Teuliè in Milan on September 13th.