Ademola Lookman responded emphatically to recent criticism from Gian Piero Gasperini, scoring twice as Atalanta dismantled relegation-threatened Empoli 5-0 at the Carlo Castellani Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Nigerian forward had been at the center of a tense exchange with Gasperini following Atalanta’s shock Champions League exit to Club Brugge. The Italian coach pointed to Lookman’s missed penalty as a costly moment in their 5-2 aggregate defeat, despite the 27-year-old scoring just 30 seconds into the second half.
Any lingering frustration from that night was cast aside against Empoli, as Lookman marked his return to Serie A action in emphatic fashion.
The reigning CAF Mens Footballer of the Year netted Atalanta’s third in the 43rd minute, finishing from close range after Mateo Retegui’s assist, before adding his second in the 55th minute with a brilliant left-footed strike into the top corner.
Lookman’s numbers among Serie A’s elite
Lookman’s brace took his league tally to 12 goals this season, making him the first active player to score at least 10 goals in each of the last three Serie A campaigns since 2022/23. In doing so, he continues to outperform some of the league’s high-profile forwards, including Lautaro Martínez and Romelu Lukaku this term.
Across 20 league appearances this season, Lookman has started 18 times, registering 12 goals and five assists, averaging a goal involvement every 83 minutes.
Against Empoli, he was lively throughout his 76 minutes on the pitch, recording 53 touches, completing 20 of his 29 passes (69%), and delivering five key passes. His four accurate crosses from ten attempts showcased his creativity, while he won four of his seven ground duels.
His performance was a statement, not just in response to his coach, but as a reminder of his rank amongst the best footballers in the world.
