Nigeria international, Ademola Lookman will aim to break his goal drought on Monday as Atalanta face AS Roma in a Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Super Eagles forward has not scored in previous games against the Giallorossi, a run he will be determined to end on Monday night.
Since joining Atalanta in August 2022, Lookman has built a reputation as a clinical finisher, but Roma have managed to stifle his influence in two previous league meetings.
Monday’s fixture offers the Nigeria international a chance not only to score but also to surpass his personal record of netting in back-to-back away games, which he achieved during his debut Serie A season with strikes against Udinese and Empoli in October 2022.
Lookman, a nominee for African Footballer of The Year, has been a vital cog in Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-flying Atalanta side. With seven league goals to his name this season, including three on the road, he has played a significant role in the club’s scintillating run of seven consecutive Serie A wins.
His contributions include eight goal involvements, underscoring his importance to La Dea’s attacking prowess.
Atalanta enter the match brimming with confidence after a dominant 6-1 win over BSC Young Boys in the Champions League. Lookman was a surprise omission from the starting XI in that game as Gasperini opted for tactical rotation.
However, the Nigerian is expected to return to the lineup as the Bergamo side eye an eighth straight league win, a feat that would further strengthen their Scudetto ambitions.
While Atalanta’s form has been nothing short of spectacular, Roma’s struggles offer Lookman and his teammates an opportunity to capitalise. The Giallorossi are winless in their last five matches across all competitions, with their most recent Serie A outing ending in a 1-0 loss to Napoli. Roma’s defensive frailties, coupled with their worst league start this century, make them vulnerable, particularly against an Atalanta side firing on all cylinders.
Lookman’s journey in Italy mirrors his growth as a player. After inconsistent spells in England, the Charlton Athletic Academy product has found his footing in Serie A, becoming one of Atalanta’s standout performers.
His ability to exploit defensive lapses, combined with his knack for scoring crucial goals, could be pivotal in breaking Roma’s resistance.
Credit: punchng.com
