Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino says his early discussions with Ademola Lookman have played a key role in sparking the forward’s resurgent form, SportPremi reports.
The 2024 African footballer of the year award winner scored his second goal in as many matches in La Dea’s 2-0 win over Fiorentina on Sunday.
Lookman also netted his first European goal of the season in the 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, marking the first time he has scored in consecutive matches this season.
The former Europa League winners headed into Sunday’s clash in search of their first league win since the appointment of Palladino, who replaced former manager Ivan Juric.
Both sides traded early chances to take the lead, but the goalkeepers were equal to the tasks with brilliant saves to keep the scores level.
Atalanta took the lead four minutes before the break in fortuitous curcumstance as Odilon Kossounou’s cross flew into the net for his first goal for the club.
Lookman doubled the tally early in the second half as he moved the ball into the area and fired past David De Gea.
La Dea closed out the win to hand Palladino a second successive win and move them up to 11th on the standings.
What Palladino said after the win
Raffaele Palladino took charge of the club last month and got his first league win in charge in commanding fashion, with the club’s best player also getting on the scoresheet.
Lookman is beginning to find form at a crucial time and will be eager to continue his scoring form in Atalanta’s next league match against Hellas Verona.
“With Lookman, I did exactly what I did with the rest of the team: I spoke individually”, Palladino stated.
“A few words were enough, because he is a smart guy who immediately understands.
“I was clear, he was very clear with me: we want to go in the same direction because we both want to bring Atalanta as high as possible.
“He’s doing a good job in the offensive phase, but I stress his defensive contribution: he’s in the match”, he continued.
“I’m happy for his goals; he’s an essential asset. As for De Ketelaere, he is in a great place: he must feel free, because he is one of those players who “move” the balances.
“And then there’s Scamacca, but even those who take over as Krstovic or Sulemana do well. I have a very strong attacking park, and I believe blindly in them,” Palladino concluded.
Atalanta return to action on Wednesday when they host Genoa in the Coppa Italia round of 16, before a clash against Hellas Verona in the Serie A next weekend.
