Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman finished with a goal and an assist in Atalanta’s 3-2 comeback win over Fiorentina at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday in matchday four in Serie A.
Following a summer window, filled with reports of a possible move away from the Bergamo-based club, the former Leicester City and Everton man, who was playing in his first league game for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side this season, opened his account for the new campaign.
All the goals in the first half and Atalanta get back to winning ways 🙌 #AtalantaFiorentina pic.twitter.com/2vgl1jBXm5
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) September 15, 2024
The hosts were looking for a way to bounce back from their recent performances after losing two of their last three matches in Serie A, scoring only one goal in those games. It, however, didn’t seem like that as things got off to a rough start for La Dea as they conceded early in the 19th minute after Lucas Quarta slotted the ball into the net from close range.
Two minutes later, Italian forward Matteo Retegui equalised for Atalanta with a powerful header after getting on the end of a pin-point cross from Lookman, following some brilliant play down the left, to bring the hosts right back into the game.
Fiorentina got back in front in the 32nd minute through Moise Kean, who converted a pass from German defender Robin Gosens from close range.
It was Atalanta’s turn to take advantage of a set piece situation just as the first half was edging to a close as another pin-point cross, this time from Brazilian midfielder Ederson found Charles de Ketelaere in the 45th minute to help Atalanta get their second equaliser of the game.
The action was not over in the first half as Super Eagles star Lookman got on the score sheet with a fantastic solo goal. After a pass from Ketelaere, the Nigerian skilfully evaded Fiorentina’s defenders inside the box from the left wing before unleashing a sublime near post finish that caught goalkeeper David de Gea off guard and gave Atalanta the lead before the end of the first 45.
🇳🇬 AURA ✨#AtalantaFiorentina #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/SRonvSoVso
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) September 15, 2024
Atalanta hung on to their momentum from the first half and tried to create more chances in the second half. They came really close to extending their lead, but Lookman could not find the back of the net after his curling effort went just above the crossbar in the 81st minute.
Other chances came in the match but unlike the very exciting first half, the second half was without any goals as Lookman’s goal in first half stoppage time proved to be the decider as Atalanta edged out Fiorentina to grab their second win of the season and move into eighth in the league standings.
