Ademola Lookman declared ready for Europa League Final
Atalanta’s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has expressed confidence that Ademola Lookman and his team’s stars are ready to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
The match, set to take place at the Aviva Stadium, will see the Serie A side challenge Xabi Alonso’s undefeated Bundesliga champions.
Gasperini was confident in the preparedness of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman and his teammates, who are geared up for various scenarios in the decisive match. “The attacking department is complete, and so, we can prepare for 90 minutes or more,” Gasperini stated during a pre-match conference. “Everyone will be there tomorrow. (Gianluca) Scamacca will be there, (Ademola) Lookman will be there, (Charles) De Ketelaere will be there.”
Lookman has been instrumental in Atalanta’s journey to the final, delivering crucial performances in the knockout stages. He scored vital goals against Sporting CP and Marseille, including providing an assist in the 3-0 semi-final victory over the French club, sealing a 4-1 aggregate win.
Atalanta aims to break Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak, which has seen the German side dominate throughout the season. Leverkusen, already Bundesliga champions, are chasing a historic treble, and Atalanta stands as the final obstacle in their path.
Reflecting on their season, Gasperini acknowledged past shortcomings but remains focused on the opportunity ahead. “We still have regrets over our game against Juventus, which was not one of our better performances. But now there’s another game, another final, another trophy.”
Victory in the Europa League final would mark Atalanta’s first major honor since winning the Serie B title in the 2010-11 season. With the stage set for a thrilling encounter, both teams are poised to deliver a memorable match as they vie for European glory.
