Former Atalanta and Genoa manager, Cesare Prandelli has praised Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini for Ademola Lookman’s remarkable development stating, “Gasperini completed him.”

Lookman, who joined Atalanta in 2022, has been a sensational addition to the team.

His contributions were crucial last season as he guided Atalanta to their first-ever continental trophy with a remarkable Europa League victory where he scored three goals.

Plus his outstanding performance in the AFCON 2023 earlier this year, Lookman is a strong contender for the CAF Player of the Year award and has also received a nomination for the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

Lookman has been nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. Photo | X

“Lookman reminds me of Di Natale, if we really look for a comparison,” Prandelli stated as reported by L’Interista.

“One thing is certain: he had never scored so many goals, Gasperini completed him.”

Prandelli emphasized Lookman’s impressive attributes, stating,

“He has stamina, devastating counterattacks on 30-40 meters and always heads for the goal: his dribbles are never an end in themselves, but to attack the area.”

The 26-year-old’s growth has been noteworthy. Last season, he achieved double figures in league goals for the first time in his career, scoring 17 times and providing 10 assists.

Gian Piero Gasperini holds the UEL trophy. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

This season, he has already tallied three goals and three assists in just seven appearances, indicating a promising trajectory.

Lookman has also received a call-up for the upcoming double-header AFCON qualifiers against Libya this month.

He will be looking to increase his goal tally for the national team, having scored twice in last month’s qualifier against Benin, leading the Super Eagles to a solid 3-0 victory in Uyo.