Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning performance, scoring twice as Atalanta demolished Empoli 5-0 in their Serie A clash on Sunday.
After a midweek penalty controversy, Lookman returned to the starting lineup and made his mark with two well-taken goals, helping La Dea maintain their push at the top of the table.
With Napoli suffering a shock 2-1 defeat at Como and Inter Milan losing twice in four matches, Atalanta had the perfect opportunity to close the gap, and they wasted no time asserting dominance.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Davide Zappacosta’s cross deflected off Emmanuel Gyasi and looped into the net for an unfortunate own goal.
Six minutes later, Mateo Retegui doubled the lead, putting Atalanta firmly in control.
Lookman made it 3-0 just before halftime, latching onto a precise through ball, rounding Marco Silvestri with ease, and slotting home.
The Nigerian forward continued his brilliance in the second half, striking again in the 55th minute after a clever step-over left the Empoli defense scrambling.
Zappacosta then completed the rout in the 74th minute.
Lookman, who was named Man of the Match, has now scored 20 goals and provided five assists this season for Atalanta, marking an outstanding campaign.
His response on the pitch comes just days after coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s criticism of his penalty-taking ability, a comment that stirred controversy following his miss against Club Brugge.
However, Gasperini later clarified that his remarks were not meant to offend the 27-year-old.
With this emphatic victory, Atalanta now sit third in the Serie A table with 54 points, just three behind league leaders Inter Milan.
