Atalanta must take UCL form to Serie A – Lookman

Ademola Lookman has urged Atalanta to replicate their UEFA Champions League form in Serie A following their impressive 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

“We need to take this form into the league and climb up the table in that respect, but tonight’s performance was very positive, good signs, and the team is feeling more confident now with the victory,” Lookman told UEFA TV after the match.

The Super Eagles forward opened the scoring in the 60th minute before teammates Ederson and Charles de Ketelaere added quick-fire goals in the 62nd and 65th minutes to seal a dominant away win.

Speaking about the victory, Lookman said, “Big performance from the team, big result, 3-0 win away from home, so good victory.

“In the first half, we had a few chances and hit the post as well. Coming out in the second half, we knew we’d create chances again, just had to be patient, and wait on them, and we scored three goals pretty quickly.”

The victory marked Atalanta’s first Champions League win under new manager Raffaele Palladino, who replaced Ivan Juric. La Dea moved up to 10th in the 36-team table, level on points with Borussia Dortmund in sixth place, and remain on course for an eighth-place finish.

However, Atalanta’s domestic form has been less impressive. They currently sit 13th on the Serie A table with 13 points and face Fiorentina this weekend. A win could lift them into the top 10.

Lookman, who had a troubled summer amid speculation about his future, also addressed questions about his relationship with teammates following reports of potential strain.

“You know, what’s happened has happened. A lot’s gone on. Some things people know, others they don’t,” he told Sky Italia.

“Right now is the time to work hard for the team, and we need to win games; that’s the most important thing, to get stronger every day. That is what I am concentrated on, and so is the team, working together every day to get results.”

The former African Footballer of the Year is expected to leave Bergamo at the end of the season, with Galatasaray reportedly interested in pairing him with compatriot Victor Osimhen.

New Atalanta manager Palladino has praised Lookman’s commitment since his arrival, noting that the Nigerian gave him a good first impression and they are working together to restore the winning culture at the club.