- Nigerian ace scoops man-of-the-match
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Ademola Lookman as one of his “very strong” players after the Nigerian striker scored a first-half brace in a convincing 3-0 victory against Serie A leaders Napoli.
Lookman, who rightfully received the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance, opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the game, volleying in from close range off a header by Charles De Ketelaere.
He then doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark with a long-range shot from another De Ketelaere assist, before substitute Mateo Retegui sealed the win with a third goal in stoppage time, ending Napoli’s perfect home league record this season.
Expressing his satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighted the significance of the result: “We think we can measure ourselves against these high-level teams. These matches are a scale for us too, we knew we had to put in a high-level performance. We have grown in personality and technique; we are undoubtedly happy.”
The coach further saluted his wards’ dominant display even as he singled out Lookman and others for special praises, adding Atalanta have ‘grown in personality and technique’.
He added: “Lookman, De Ketelaere and Retegui are very strong, and besides them we also have Zaniolo who we couldn’t use today. Those three are on a higher step but the others can reach it too. We can’t always use all three given the many matches, but you can also make a difference from the bench.”
Discussing Atalanta’s title aspirations, Gasperini remained cautious but optimistic: “We need to grow but we are getting good responses. Eleven players have arrived in the squad. Retegui has given immediate answers but today Kossounou and Brescianini also did well. Samardzic, Bellanova, there are many that I can’t list.”
Despite the convincing win, Gasperini was quick to praise Napoli’s strength: “In any case, Napoli is a strong team, credit must be given to De Laurentiis and Manna. They changed coach and Conte has done and will do extraordinary things, today’s match won’t make me change my mind.”
