Ademola Lookman Sets New Serie A Record in Atalanta’s 5-0 Victory Over Empoli
Ademola Lookman delivered an exceptional performance on Sunday evening, scoring a brace as Atalanta thrashed Empoli 5-0, further solidifying his reputation as one of Serie A’s top talents. Despite recent criticism from manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Lookman was undeterred and showcased his ability by making history with his two goals.
According to Opta, the Nigerian forward became the first player to score over ten goals in each of the last three Serie A seasons. He achieved this milestone with his first goal in the 43rd minute, continuing a remarkable run of consistency in Italy’s top league.
Lookman had faced scrutiny following his missed penalty in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, with Gasperini questioning his decision to take the spot-kick. The 25-year-old responded to the criticism by calling it disrespectful, but he made sure to leave the controversy behind him with a brilliant performance on the pitch.
His first goal came just before halftime, after he rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the net following a pass from Mario Retegui. In the second half, Lookman completed his brace with a superb left-footed strike from outside the box, driving forward from the centre circle before finding the bottom right corner, assisted by Marten de Roon.
With 17 goals and 7 assists in 29 matches across all competitions this season, Lookman’s current form is nothing short of impressive. He was replaced in the 76th minute by Colombian fullback Juan Cuadrado.
Before Lookman’s brace, Atalanta had already taken a 2-0 lead thanks to an own goal from Emmanuel Gyasi and a strike from Mario Retegui. Italian defender Davide Zappacosta sealed the 5-0 victory with a final goal, assisted by Mario Pasalic.
Lookman’s continued success is a huge boost for Nigeria, with manager Eric Chelle set to rely on him in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
