“Every game is a battle” – Nigeria’s Lookman warns Lazio after firing Atalanta to Empoli win

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has warned Lazio to be ready for battle when the Biancocelesti trade tackles with Atalanta this weekend, Soccernet.ng reports.

Fresh from winning the Africa Best Player of the Year award, Lookman was on target for Atalanta as Gian Piero Gasperini's men fought out a thrilling 3-2 victory over Empoli on Sunday.

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It was Atalanta's 13th league win of the season, which catapulted the club back to the top of the Italian Serie A table above title rivals Napoli.

Atalanta will end the year 2024 as league leaders with a victory over Lazio, and Lookman insists that would be the target when the two teams face off at the Stadio Olimpico in Roma.

“We are already focused on the next match,” Lookman told DAZN as per Tutto Atalanta.

“Lazio is a strong team and it will be a difficult challenge, but we know we can do even better. We will prepare in the best way, as always, to try to win this one too.”

Pointing out what makes Atalanta special, Lookman said,

“Our strength is the group. We are united, we work hard and we always want to improve. Every game is a battle, and we try to face it with the right mentality. We are never satisfied.”

It has been an incredibly memorable year for Lookman.

The former Fulham and Leicester City winger started the year with a runners-up medal at the Africa Cup of Nations. He then lifted the Europa League trophy with his hat-trick in the final helping Atalanta to shoot down Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman crowned it all with the prestigious Africa Player of the Year award in December, becoming only the sixth Nigerian to claim the honour in history.

Still, Lookman is looking forward to making 2025 a better year.

“Yes, I really hope so,” he responded when asked if the next year can be even better than 2024.

“Every year I try to improve myself, to be a better version of myself. This also applies to the team. We are focused on our goal and we can't wait to face the next challenges.”

Lookman has managed nine goals and four assists in 14 league games for Atalanta this season.