'Scored two good goals' - Atalanta coach praises Lookman for Afconq display as he provides fitness update

Speaking at the pre-match press conference before his side's Serie A meeting with Fiorentina, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has not ruled out including Ademola Lookman in the starting lineup  on the back of his impressive display for the Nigeria national team during the international break in September. 

Lookman was the star of the show as the Super Eagles thrashed Republic of Benin's Cheetah's in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, opening and closing the scoring in a 3-0 win at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 7.

Three days later in Kigali, a controversial decision by the referee saw his headed goal ruled out as Semi Ajayi was deemed to have fouled a Wasps defender in the buildup to the goal, although replays suggested otherwise.

Lookman was lacking match fitness before the international break, with his last appearance for Atalanta coming against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup a month ago. 

One of the first names on the Nerazzurri team sheet, the back-to-back Atalanta Player of the Year has yet to make his season debut in the Serie A due to speculation surrounding his future in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. 

Speaking on the fitness of Lookman, Kolasinac and Djimsiti, Gian Piero Gasperini told reporters on Saturday: "They could also play from the beginning because now we are doing this last training session.

"Yesterday they had a good training session, today let's see in the finishing. They are among the players called up so are potentially usable.

"Lookman was out for a month and then afterwards he played with Nigeria, he also scored two good goals and how he has returned.

"In short Lookman is a player who is included in the squad and he doesn't need much time and we will see tomorrow if it's the case of playing from the beginning or not "

After three consecutive away games in a row, Atalanta welcome Fiorentina to the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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