Atalanta Return to Winning Ways As Ademola Lookman Makes First Appearance for Italian Club
- Ademola Lookman made his first appearance of the season for Atalanta, coming off the bench in the 87th minute against Torino
- Nikola Krstovic scored twice while Kamaldeen Sulemana grabbed a goal and an assist in a dominant first-half display
- Lookman has not featured for the Bergamo club since the end of last season after trying to force a move to Inter Milan
Atalanta bounced back in style from their midweek Champions League setback with a convincing 3-0 Serie A win over Torino, a result that was made even more significant by the return of Ademola Lookman.
The Super Eagles forward featured for the first time this season, coming off the bench late in the game to signal a positive turn in his relationship with the Bergamo club.
Source: Getty Images
The victory marks a return to winning ways for Atalanta after their heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League earlier in the week.
Victory also keeps Ivan Juric’s men within striking distance of the Serie A top four.
Lookman’s makes long-awaited comeback
Lookman’s reappearance was the biggest talking point of the afternoon for Atalanta, with Nigerians paying keen interest to the game, Juve FC reports.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year was brought on in the 87th minute, replacing Kamaldeen Sulemana, to rapturous applause from the travelling supporters.
Lookman had been sidelined for four months due to transfer-related issues that reportedly caused tension between him and the Italian club.
The 27-year-old winger had fallen out with Atalanta after trying to force a move to Inter Milan, but all attempts by the Nerazzurri to sign him were blocked in the summer.
Lookman’s short cameo against Torino suggested that those issues may now be behind him, and manager Juric will be counting on the Nigerian forward to add much-needed firepower as the season progresses.
Atalanta blows out Torino in Serie A
Atalanta were clinical in the first half, effectively killing off the Serie A contest before halftime.
Nikola Krstovic opened the scoring after 30 minutes, slotting home the ball before Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana doubled the lead for the Bergamo club just four minutes later.
Krstovic then grabbed his brace in the 38th minute, assisted by Sulemana, capping off a superb attacking display.
Another Nigerian makes Atalanta debut
The match also marked a special occasion for 17-year-old defender Honest Ahanor, who made his Serie A debut after replacing Isak Hien in the 27th minute, All Nigeria Soccer reports.
Source: Getty Images
The teenager, signed from Genoa this summer, showed impressive composure under pressure and won over fans with a series of assured defensive tackles.
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Ahanor is eligible to play for the Super Eagles, and his emergence will undoubtedly be monitored by the Nigerian Football Federation.
His promising performance provided another reason for optimism on a day that already felt like a fresh start for Atalanta.
Atalanta fans send message to Lookman
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Atalanta fans have sent a strong message to Lookman after the club confirmed that the Super Eagles star has been reintegrated into the squad.
Atalanta fans fell out of love with the winger over the summer due to his attitude over his proposed departure, and did not hide their displeasure at the news that he is returning to the team.
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Source: Legit.ng
