'Doesn't follow instructions' – Expert urges Napoli not to prioritise signing of Lookman

Italian football expert Marcello Altamura has advised Serie A champions Napoli to prioritise the signing of Mattia Zaccagni and Dan Ndoye over Nigeria's Ademola Lookman, despite the Atalanta forward's stellar season.

Lookman, coming off an impressive season with Atalanta, has been linked with a move to the Serie A champions as they look to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

However, speaking on 1 Station Radio, as reported by Area Napoli, Altamura urged the club to reconsider, citing tactical discipline and team integration as key factors in his recommendation.

"I would probably choose the Zaccagni–Ndoye pairing, and I'll tell you why. They are both strong and reliable players," Altamura said.

He praised Zaccagni for his football intelligence and international experience, suggesting he would be a seamless fit in Conte's system.

"Zaccagni is no longer very young, but he is extremely intelligent from a tactical point of view, he has international experience and I think he would integrate very well with Conte's game and methodology."

Ndoye, he added, brings a mix of explosiveness, technical ability, and discipline—qualities he believes Napoli needs.

"Ndoye, on the other hand, is a player I have always liked: explosive, very technical, but also disciplined. He is not one of those 'anarchic' talents like Lookman, who scores a gem of a goal but then doesn't follow the instructions," Altamura said. 

"In short, if I could choose, I would undoubtedly opt for the two of them."

Despite a turbulent and contentious second half of the season, Lookman delivered a standout performance for Atalanta, netting 15 goals and providing 5 assists across 31 Serie A appearances.

As the summer transfer window heats up, speculation continues over Lookman's destination, with Napoli reportedly among several clubs keeping close tabs on the Nigerian international's availability.

Adeyemi Adewale

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