Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman’s recent international duty impacted his fitness in their 2-0 victory over Venezia. Gasperini noted that Lookman struggled defensively during the Serie A clash on Saturday, which led to his substitution.
“He (Lookman) struggled to get back and help out in defence, so he was not playing for the team. Venezia were improving, and I needed to tie the team together more,” Gasperini said in an interview with DAZN.
The Italian coach’s remarks underscore the difficulties players often face when returning from international duty, particularly when long-haul travel and intense fixtures are involved. Lookman had just rejoined Atalanta after representing Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya. The Super Eagles experienced significant travel issues, being stranded for over 12 hours at Al Abraq International Airport in Libya. The team was left without food, water, or communication, a situation Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, described as “disgraceful.”
Despite these challenges, Lookman was named in the starting lineup for Atalanta but struggled to meet his usual high standards. He came close to scoring during the match, hitting the crossbar, but was unable to contribute his typical defensive work rate, leading to his early substitution.
The 27-year-old forward has been crucial for Atalanta this season, tallying three goals and three assists across all competitions. His performances even earned him a nomination as the sole African contender for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or.
However, reports have surfaced indicating that Lookman could be on the move during the January transfer window, with several Premier League clubs expressing interest in signing him for as little as €25 million, despite his current contract with Atalanta running until 2026.
Gasperini’s concerns about Lookman’s fitness come as Atalanta prepares for their upcoming Champions League clash against Celtic. The manager will be hoping that the Nigerian star can regain his form and fitness in time to help the team in their push for success in both domestic and European competitions.
Atalanta is currently positioned sixth in Serie A, level on points with Lazio and Udinese, and will rely heavily on Lookman’s recovery as they strive to climb higher in the standings. With the January transfer window looming, Lookman’s future remains a focal point, but for now, the priority is his recovery and performance on the pitch.
