Ademola Lookman: Nigeria and Africa’s finest eyes personal milestone as Atalanta battle Venezia

Ademola Lookman is aiming to hit a new personal landmark when Atalanta face Venezia at the Gewiss Stadium this afternoon, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria international will be looking to move past recent disappointments and reclaim his best form in front of the Bergamo faithful, with just one goal separating him from his all-time scoring record in Europe’s top five leagues.

Lookman’s campaign hit a rough patch after his costly penalty miss in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League clash against Club Brugge eleven days ago.

The miss sparked speculation about tensions with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, after he was publicly ridiculed despite being the club’s best player and reigning Africa Footballer of the Year.

However, the 26-year-old responded in style, netting twice in Atalanta’s 3-0 win away at Empoli last week. His excellent, quick-fire brace sent a clear message that his talent remains intact and his hunger to deliver decisive moments for the club is undiminished.

Today’s fixture presents another opportunity for Lookman to underline his importance to Atalanta’s Scudetto push.

Despite the controversy surrounding his public spat with the club’s iconic manager, Atalanta fans rallied around Lookman.

A banner displayed at the club’s training ground in Zingonia read: “Thanks Mola, don’t be afraid to take a penalty kick” — a gesture that reinforced their unwavering faith in the Nigerian forward.

The travelling Bergamo fans in Empoli showed similar support, and a warm reception is expected at the Gewiss Stadium as Lookman returns to familiar surroundings.

Personal milestone within Ademola Lookman’s reach

With 12 Serie A goals this season, Lookman is just one strike away from equalling his best-ever tally in Europe’s top five leagues — the 13 goals he scored for Atalanta last season.

A goal today would not only set a new personal record but also provide a timely boost for Atalanta as they navigate a crucial period in their title challenge.

Venezia represent the final ‘straightforward’ opposition before back-to-back clashes against Juventus and Inter Milan — two matches that could shape the club’s Scudetto ambitions.

Lookman’s connection with the Gewiss Stadium has been key to his success this season. Ten of his 17 goals in all competitions have come at home, highlighting his importance to Atalanta on their own turf.

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Gasperini’s demand for greater defensive discipline saw the Nigerian substituted at half-time during the reverse fixture against Venezia.

However, Lookman’s recent performances suggest he has absorbed his coach’s tactical instructions and is ready to deliver at both ends of the pitch.

Ademola Lookman: Nigeria’s leading marksman in Europe

In Europe’s top five leagues, Lookman is currently Nigeria’s most prolific player with 12 goals and five assists, contributing to 17 goals in Serie A this season.

He leads Nantes forward Moses Simon, who has 13 goal contributions (six goals and seven assists), while Fulham’s Alex Iwobi sits third with seven goals and three assists. Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface (seven goals, one assist) and Hoffenheim’s Gift Orban (six goals) round out the top five.

A standout display against Venezia could not only earn Lookman a personal record but also reinforce his status as Nigeria’s most in-form attacker in Europe.