A thrilling Serie A encounter awaits as in-form Atalanta hosts struggling Udinese in a high-stakes Game Week 12 clash at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Sunday.
The match will see Nigerian internationals Ademola Lookman and Maduka Okoye face off, with Lookman’s red-hot form and Okoye’s need for redemption taking center stage.
Lookman, who has been in sensational form this season with eight goals, will be looking to extend his impressive run when he lines up for Atalanta.
The 27-year-old forward is coming off a memorable performance in the Champions League, having netted in Atalanta’s dominant 2-0 win over Stuttgart at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Wednesday.
Lookman’s goal-scoring prowess has been key to Atalanta’s nine-game unbeaten streak, which includes seven wins and two draws.
“We played well as a team, against a tough opponent,” Lookman said after the Stuttgart victory. “It was a hard-fought match, but we got the result we wanted.”
Atalanta’s attacking spearhead has contributed directly to seven goals since October, further cementing his status as one of Serie A’s most in-form players.
His performances have earned him significant praise, and he is now a strong contender for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, following his 14th-place finish in the recent Ballon d’Or rankings.
Having joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 for a reported €9.35m, Lookman has delivered remarkable value, with 40 goals and 23 assists in 91 appearances for the club.
His form has reportedly caught the attention of top European clubs, including Real Madrid.
On the other side, Okoye will be looking to bounce back after a difficult moment in Udinese’s 2-0 defeat to Juventus last weekend.
The Nigerian goalkeeper was unfortunate to concede an own goal in the 19th minute, as a shot from Thomas Thuram rebounded off his back into the net.
Despite a clean sheet in the previous game against Cagliari, the error left Udinese in seventh place, and Okoye will be eager to put that setback behind him and perform on the big stage.
The historical record is heavily in Atalanta’s favor.
The Bergamo club is undefeated in their last 13 meetings with Udinese, their longest unbeaten streak against any opponent.
Udinese has won just once in their last 16 visits to Bergamo, a drought stretching back to October 2017.
Under coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta has been solid at both ends of the pitch.
In addition to their attacking brilliance, they’ve shown impressive defensive solidity, keeping clean sheets in their last two league matches.
Atalanta’s offensive numbers this season are eye-catching.
They lead Serie A in goals scored from outside the box with seven, including Lookman’s stunning strike in the 3-0 win at Napoli’s Stadio Maradona.
Their attacking force is further bolstered by striker Mateo Retegui, who has been directly involved in 10 goals since October.
Lookman, meanwhile, has contributed to seven during the same period. With 29 goals in Serie A so far, Atalanta is one of the most potent attacking teams in the league.
Udinese, meanwhile, has shown signs of vulnerability, especially on the road.
Despite sitting just three points outside the European spots, they have lost their last three away games against Roma, AC Milan, and Venezia.
The defeat to Venezia, where they squandered a two-goal lead, will be particularly concerning for coach Kosta Runjaic.
This match promises to be a fascinating showdown between two teams with contrasting forms.
Atalanta’s title ambitions continue to grow as they aim to challenge the league’s best, while Udinese will be hoping to shake off their road woes and get back on track.
For Nigerian fans, all eyes will be on Lookman and Okoye as they face off in what could be a pivotal encounter for both sides as the season progresses.
