Ademola Lookman’s goal and assist gives Atalanta a thrilling come back win against Fiorentina.
Ademola Lookman delivered a masterclass performance in his first game of the season, with a goal and an assist to help Atalanta come from a goal down to beat Fiorentina 3-2, in a pulsating Serie A matchday four fixture on Sunday afternoon.
Lookman’s Atalanta went behind within 15 minutes of their first home game of the season at the renovated Gewiss Stadium, as Lucas Martinez broke the deadlock by scrambling home a rebound, after Carnesecchi spilled Gosens’ close range header, following a corner kick.
The host restored parity six minutes later, as Lookman broke free of a defender and floated a long ball towards Matteo Retegui in the box and the striker headed past De Gea from close range.
Atalanta fell behind once again in the 32nd minute, as an unmarked Moise Kean side-footed Robin Gosens’ delivery into the net. The former Juventus striker rattled the left post four minutes later, after evading Isak Hien.
As the clock ticked towards half-time, Éderson swung in a free kick into the box, and Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head into the roof of the net to level up for the home side.
However, Lookman forced a first-half lead which turned out to be the winner in added time, as the 26-year-old wing maestro picked up a through ball from De Ketelaere and raced down the left, wriggling his way at the byline, before cutting back and quickly burying his effort at the near post.
Both teams pushed for openings in the second period, but to no avail, as Gasperini-led side held on to the win.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee completed the most dribbles of the match (5), and won most duels (12), including 10 ground duels, and two aerial duels, and was voted player of the match by Serie A and La Dea fans.
Lookman, who sat out the first two games of the season due to transfer interest from big clubs in the summer, expressed his delight to be back and scoring.
“I’m happy to be back and to have regained the rhythm of last season in front of these fans.” Lookman told DAZN in a post-match interview.
The london-born player will now look ahead of what promises to be a special Champions League night against Arsenal on Thursday.
“Arsenal? I’m happy to play in the Champions League and we have to try to keep the same mentality, always looking for goals, even on Thursday”