'Thanks to a great Lookman assist' - Atalanta boss hails Africa's best as winning streak ends at 11 games

Atalanta managed to secure a point at the Olimpico di Roma on Saturday night, coming from behind to force Lazio to a 1-1 draw in the 18th round of matches in the Serie A. 

The draw marked the end of their eleven-game winning streak in the Italian top flight, but the Nerazzurri could still finish 2024 as the top team in Serie A if Napoli fail to beat Venezia on Sunday afternoon. 

Lazio had a great start and were rewarded for their dominance in the 27th minute when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru finished emphatically after a solo run through the middle of the pitch.

Ademola Lookman had a chance to level the score for Atalanta in the 58th minute, but his header from Raoul Bellanova's cross went wide, and a minute later, Ivan Provedel made a fantastic save to deny him. 

A huge intervention by the Lazio goalkeeper kept the newly crowned African Footballer of the Year from scoring in the 75th minute. 

Two minutes from time, Lookman had the cool head to square the ball to Marco Brescianini, who tapped into an empty net.

Speaking to Atalanta media post-match, manager Gian Piero Gasperini praised Lookman for the role he played in the late equaliser.

"Marco Brescianini comes on and scores indeed, also thanks to a great Lookman assist," he said. 

"We had a few other chances in those moments too. But it's not just the substitutes who did well, though, as also those who were subbed off, as well as those who stayed on the pitch, all did their bit! 

"In short credit goes to the whole team for how well they pulled through, especially against a Lazio side who pulled out all stops throughout the match.

"As time went by, the team found its feet and managed to turn the game around and they did it effortlessly too."

Including his assist against Lazio, Lookman has directly participated in eighteen goals from 21 all-competition appearances this term.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com