Former AC Milan and Inter Milan midfielder Cristian Brocchi has identified Ademola Lookman as Atalanta’s key player ahead of their crucial Serie A clash against Juventus, Soccernet.ng reports.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side travel to Allianz Stadium on Sunday, aiming to maintain their push for the Serie A title and secure a Champions League place.
Atalanta currently sit third in the league with 55 points, trailing leaders Inter Milan by three points. Juventus, in fourth with 52 points, are also fighting to cement a top-four finish.
Recent history favours the Bianconeri, who are unbeaten in their last six Serie A encounters with Atalanta. The Bergamo side last secured a league victory over Juventus in November 2021. During this period, Juventus have scored nine goals against Atalanta’s seven.
Lookman the game changer?
While Matteo Retegui leads Atalanta’s scoring charts with 21 league goals this season, Lookman’s all-round attacking play has been vital to Gasperini’s system.
The Nigerian forward has netted 12 times in Serie A but also provides pace, creativity, and intelligent movement in attack.
Simply magical, Ademola Lookman #AtalantaNapoli pic.twitter.com/fPntM1cjoW
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 19, 2025
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Brocchi, who won two Champions League titles and the Serie A with AC Milan, believes Lookman could be the decisive factor on Sunday.
“At the moment, Lookman is Atalanta’s difference maker,” Brocchi wrote for Serie A’s official website.
“He is fast, his final ball is good, and in 1-v-1s he can either finish himself or set up a teammate. He is a complete player, who breaks up the game. He could be decisive, maybe with a goal, but also with his movement and his set-up play for Retegui.”
Meanwhile, Juventus will be relying on Dusan Vlahovic, their leading scorer this season with nine goals, four of which have been the crucial opening strikes in matches.
However, Atalanta’s attacking threat, spearheaded by Lookman and Retegui, could cause problems for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
Lookman eyes 50th goal for Atalanta
Beyond Atalanta’s push for a crucial victory, Lookman is also on the brink of a personal milestone.
The 27-year-old attacker is just one goal away from reaching 50 for the club, a feat he could achieve against one of Serie A’s biggest sides.
Ranked at the 14th place for the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or! @Alookman_ @Atalanta_BC @thenff #ballondor pic.twitter.com/Fr0CiKRdHx
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
The former Everton and RB Leipzig forward has been a revelation since joining Atalanta, with his speed, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing making him a standout performer in Italy.
His contributions in big matches, including decisive performances against Bayer Leverkusen, Napoli and Real Madrid over the past year, underline his importance to Gasperini’s setup.
Lookman’s impact has also been recognised internationally. After his outstanding displays in European competitions with Atalanta and on the African continent with Nigeria, he was honoured with the CAF Footballer of the Year in December.
Lookman: Closing in on Atalanta’s elite
With eleven games remaining this season, Lookman has a chance to climb further up Atalanta’s all-time top scorers list.
He currently sits on 49 goals, with club greats like German Denis (56), Alejandro Gómez (59), Josip Iličić (60), Luis Muriel (68), and Duván Zapata (82) ahead of him.
Surpassing these names will take time, but with his current form and influence, Lookman is well on his way to establishing himself as one of Atalanta’s most prolific forwards.
Sunday’s match against Juventus provides the perfect stage for Lookman to make history—both for himself and for Atalanta’s push towards the Serie A title.
