WATCH: Lookman fires back at Gasperini with double against Empoli

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward, Ademola Olajade Lookman, swept his midweek debacle under the carpet as he scored a brace in his side’s 5-0 win over Empoli, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old was the centre of attention in La Dea’s UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge after he missed a spot-kick from twelve yards, and was labelled as the worst penalty taker by the club coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.

Lookman hit back at his manager, claiming he didn’t appreciate being singled out for the team’s failures. Today, he showed his importance to the 2024 UEFA Europa League winners.

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Lookman returned to the starting XI for the first time since suffering a knee injury in late January and immediately threatened after ninety seconds as he rolled a cross into Mateo Retegui’s path but the Italian’s attempt was cut out by Giuseppe Pezzella.

Ghana’s Emmanuel Gyasi scored an own goal to give Gasperini’s side the lead after Davide Zappacosta’s cross took a big deflection off the winger’s chest.

Atalanta doubled their lead from a short corner. Lookman’s cross was flicked on by Berat Djimsiti for Retegui to side-foot home his 21st Serie A goal of the season.

Retegui turned provider for Atalanta’s third goal. The 25-year-old’s through ball nutmegged a defender before the ball got to Lookman. The Nigerian rolled it under the sole of his boot to get away from Empoli’s goalkeeper and pass the ball into an empty goal.

Lookman added Atalanta’s fourth with a brilliant left-footed finish after a pass from Martin De Roon saw him beat Liberato Cacace for pace. The former RB Leipzig man has now scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in 29 games across all competitions.

Lookman was taken off after 76 minutes and shook hands with assistant manager, Tullio Gritti, but not the team’s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, as per Football Italia.

Davide Zappocasta scored Atalanta’s fifth goal with a powerful shot from outside the box to put La Dea within three points of the Serie A leaders, Inter Milan.

Atalanta have now won three of their last nine Serie A games, with Lookman’s injury playing a vital role in their loss of form. His return should spark extra life into their Scudetto pursuit.