Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has urged Atalanta to show greater consistency and killer instinct after scoring his first Serie A goal of the season in a 1-1 draw against AC Milan on Tuesday night, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year was named Man of the Match after producing a fine performance at the Stadio di Bergamo, where his first-half equaliser rescued a point for the hosts.
Samuele Ricci had earlier given Milan an early lead in the fourth minute, before Lookman levelled the score with a powerful finish into the roof of the net from Mario Pašalić’s assist.
Speaking after the match, Lookman expressed delight at returning to the scoresheet but admitted the team still had work to do to reach their full potential.
“It feels good to be back and to help the team,” the Nigerian forward told DAZN.
“The most important thing is to keep improving because we need to grow as a group. What matters in the end is helping the team win matches.”
The 28-year-old has endured a mixed start to the campaign following a summer that saw him linked with moves to Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.
After his transfer prospects fell through, he struggled to regain form early in the season, featuring briefly against Torino and missing the following fixture against Juventus.
However, Lookman has since re-established himself under new manager Ivan Jurić, starting six consecutive matches since his return to the lineup and gradually rediscovering the sharpness that made him one of Atalanta’s most influential players last season.
Jurić, who replaced Gian Piero Gasperini in the summer, praised Lookman’s performance and energy, describing him as a special player capable of inspiring the team.
“Lookman is a fantastic player, maybe we pushed too hard to bring him back, but he gives everything when he plays. He has great drive and a special quality. I’m very happy for him,” Jurić said.
The coach admitted frustration that Atalanta, despite controlling possession and creating several chances, failed to secure all three points.
“There was only one team that should have won tonight,” he added. “We created so many opportunities, but we need to become more clinical. I believe once that happens, everything will start to click.”
