How many goals did CAF player of the Year favourite Ademola Lookman score in Atalanta’s 6-1 spanking of Verona?
Ademola Lookman continued his remarkable form with a stunning performance, contributing two goals in Atalanta’s emphatic 6-1 victory over Hellas Verona.
With this display, the Nigerian forward solidified his status as the frontrunner for the CAF Player of the Year award ahead of the ceremony in December in Morocco.
Lookman, who had faced criticism for underwhelming performances in his previous two games, bounced back spectacularly to inspire Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to a comfortable win. The result comes after Atalanta’s frustrating goalless draw against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League midweek.
The Gewiss Stadium witnessed a dominant Atalanta side racing out of the blocks with two quick goals in the first ten minutes. Marten de Roon opened the scoring in the 6th minute, and Mateo Retegui doubled the lead just three minutes later.
Charles De Ketelaere made it 3-0 in the 14th minute with a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving Verona scrambling for answers.
Lookman, one of the key figures in Atalanta’s attacking setup, put the game to bed with two goals before half-time. His first came in the 29th minute when he dribbled past multiple defenders and unleashed a stunning effort from outside the box, beating the goalkeeper at the bottom left corner.
Five minutes later, Lookman struck again. After receiving a perfectly weighted pass inside the box, he calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Atalanta a 5-0 lead before the interval.
Verona managed a consolation goal in the 42nd minute, with Amin Sarr scoring a first-time effort from the edge of the box. However, Atalanta remained in complete control.
Mateo Retegui rounded off the scoring in the second half with his second goal of the night, sealing an impressive 6-1 win for the Bergamo-based side.
The victory moves Atalanta to fourth place in Serie A, level on points with Juventus, as they push for a top-four finish this season. Lookman’s standout display not only boosts Atalanta’s campaign but also strengthens his case for the CAF Player of the Year award, which he hopes to win amid stiff competition.
Lookman’s recent nomination for the award has further fuelled his ambitions, and he revealed in a post-match interview that fellow Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, who “speaks to me in Yoruba,” has been a key source of inspiration for him.
With performances like this, Lookman is positioning himself as the favourite to take home Africa’s most prestigious individual football award in December.
Lookman’s dazzling performance reinforces Atalanta’s ambitions and strengthens his bid to be crowned Africa’s best, with all eyes now on the CAF Awards ceremony in December.
