Ademola Lookman let his performance do the talking on Sunday, netting a brilliant brace in Atalanta’s 5-0 demolition of Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.
The dominant victory moves La Dea within three points of the Serie A summit as the title race heats up.
The Nigerian winger’s display comes amid tension with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who publicly criticized him after Atalanta’s shock Champions League exit to Club Brugge.
Lookman had scored just 30 seconds into the second half in the second-leg clash, but his later penalty miss proved costly in a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
Rather than taking collective responsibility, Gasperini branded Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen, a remark that sparked backlash from African football legends.
Lookman responded in the best way possible, on the pitch. He played a key role in Sunday’s dominant performance, securing his place among the league’s elite attackers.
Lookman Sidesteps Gasperini Controversy
After the match, Lookman refused to be drawn into further discussions about his relationship with Gasperini.
“The team won 5-0 today, we put in a good performance, everyone was at a high level, and we showed quality,” Lookman told DAZN.
“We take every game as they come. We played well today, we have to continue this way and prepare for the next.”
Pressed by Sky Sport Italia on whether his rift with Gasperini was in the past, Lookman simply shrugged and replied, “Finished?”—a clear sign that the situation remains unresolved.
His actions spoke louder than words, as he notably shook hands with assistant coach Tullio Gritti after being substituted but ignored Gasperini entirely.
With his brace, Lookman has now scored 12 league goals this season, becoming the first active player to hit double digits in three consecutive Serie A campaigns since 2022/23.
His tally outshines several high-profile forwards, including Lautaro Martínez and Romelu Lukaku, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most dangerous attackers.
Across 20 Serie A appearances this term, the Super Eagles star has started 18 times, recording 12 goals and five assists averaging a goal involvement every 83 minutes.
As Atalanta chase their first-ever Serie A title, Lookman’s form will be crucial in the final stretch of the season.
