Recently crowned African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, has backed Atalanta to set new club record that dates as far back as 1930.
The Nigerian sensation celebrated his CAF award with a vital goal in Atalanta’s 3-2 Serie A win over Empoli at the Gewiss Stadium in Sunday.
The forward returned to action after missing the midweek Coppa Italia clash, presenting his African Player of the Year trophy to fans before kick-off.
Lookman then delivered on the pitch, scoring his side’s second goal just before halftime to give Atalanta a 2-1 lead.
Empoli had initially taken the lead through Lorenzo Colombo in the 11th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere equalized in the 34th minute.
Lookman’s finish from Nicolò Zaniolo’s assist restored Atalanta’s advantage heading into the break.
The visitors leveled again in the second half, with Samuele Esposito converting a penalty to make it 2-2.
However, De Ketelaere struck the winner, ensuring Atalanta’s victory and setting a new club record of 124 goals in a single calendar year, surpassing their previous best from the 1929/30 season.
Lookman was substituted in the 69th minute but remains vital to Atalanta’s campaign, with 8 goals and 4 assists in 13 league appearances this season.
His contributions have bolstered Atalanta’s Serie A title ambitions and Champions League hopes.
