Lookman Double Helps Atalanta To 3
Lookman Double Helps Atalanta to 3-1 Home Win Over Spezia
Ademola Lookman scored twice as Atalanta eased to an assured 3-1 win over relegation-threatened Spezia in Serie A on Sunday.
Overview
The victory moved Atalanta up to fifth in the standings with 41 points from 22 games, while Spezia remained in 17th place with 18 points.
Lookman opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clinical finish after being played in by Ederson. The Bergamaschi dominated the opening period and doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Lookman turned provider, setting up Rasmus Hojlund for a simple tap-in.
Spezia showed more promise after the break and reduced the deficit in the 52nd minute when M'Bala Nzola fired home a penalty.
However, Atalanta restored their two-goal advantage just six minutes later when Lookman collected a pass from Hojlund and surged into the area before finishing confidently.
Lookman's brace took his tally for the season to nine goals in all competitions, making him Atalanta's leading scorer.
Lookman's Impressive Form
The Nigerian forward has been in excellent form since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2022.
He has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 21 Serie A appearances this season, making him one of the most dangerous attackers in the league.
Lookman's pace, skill, and finishing ability have been a major asset for Atalanta, who are pushing for a top-four finish this season.
Atalanta's European Ambitions
Atalanta are currently in fifth place in Serie A, just four points behind fourth-placed Roma.
With nine games remaining this season, La Dea will be confident of securing a top-four finish and qualifying for next season's Champions League.
Atalanta have a strong track record in European competition, having reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2020 and the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2019.
Spezia's Relegation Battle
Spezia are currently in 17th place in Serie A, just three points above the relegation zone.
The Aquile have won just one of their last six league games and will need to improve their form if they are to avoid the drop.
Spezia's next game is a crucial home match against fellow strugglers Sampdoria. A win would give the Aquile a much-needed boost in their fight for survival.
Conclusion
Atalanta's win over Spezia was a significant step towards securing a top-four finish this season.
Lookman was once again the star of the show, proving that he is one of the most exciting young attackers in Serie A.
Spezia, meanwhile, are in a precarious position just three points above the relegation zone.
The Aquile will need to improve their form if they are to avoid the drop this season.