‘A game of two halves’ — How a disappointed Lookman reacted to Atalanta’s loss to Bologna
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Ademola Lookman's eighth Serie A goal of 2023-24 was not enough for Atalanta in Sunday's defeat by Bologna (Credit: Imago/IPA Sport)

‘A game of two halves’ — How a disappointed Lookman reacted to Atalanta’s loss to Bologna

Seye Omidiora 12:13 - 04.03.2024

The AFCON 2023 star netted on his first Atalanta start since returning from Super Eagles duty, but the forward’s goal was not enough for La Dea.

Ademola Lookman’s eighth Serie A goal of the season for Atalanta could not prevent a 2-1 defeat by Bologna at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday.

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The Nigeria international scored the game’s first goal in the 28th minute in Bergamo, but a second-half Joshua Zirkzee penalty and a Lewis Ferguson strike minutes later saw Gian Piero Gasperini’s men concede twice in four minutes to fall behind.

La Dea could not pull level despite chasing the game for over 30 minutes, seeing Thiago Motta’s men inflict back-to-back league losses on the Bergamo outfit and a first loss at Gewiss Stadium since November 2023.

What Lookman said after Atalanta’s loss to Bologna

Lookman had been slowly introduced after Africa Cup of Nations exertions with the Super Eagles, coming off the bench in away games against both Milan clubs in three days, but got his first start in Sunday’s loss. Speaking after the game, the forward was keen to look forward after a disappointing home loss.

“The first half was very, very good. We had positives in our play and set the tempo,” the AFCON 2023 star said. “In the second half, we didn’t really come out the same way we did in the first half.

“It was kind of a game of two halves. They capitalised on two moments and they scored. We’re a team, we fight together, we win lose together and we lose together. Disappointing but we get ready for the next game.”

What comes next for Lookman and Atalanta?

Atalanta return to Europa League action this week and face tricky domestic encounters before the imminent international break. Lookman should be pivotal in March 6’s Europa League last-16 tie against Sporting Lisbon at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

In Serie A, the Bergamo outfit face Juventus and Fiorentina in their next league games on March 10 and 17 before the hiatus.