Atalanta coach Gian Pero Gasperini is banking on Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman to lead their comeback against Club Brugge next week in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 playoff, Soccernet.ng reports.
Atalanta lost 2-1 to Club Brugge in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Wednesday. Going into the tie, Atalanta boss Gain Pero Gasperini did not have some of his trusted lieutenants, as stars like Lookman, Sead Kolasinac, Odilon Kossounou, and Daniel Maldini were all sidelined due to injuries.
Nigerian forward Lookman sustained a knee injury two weeks ago and has been out of action since. His presence in the final third, as he is their joint highest goalscorer in the competition, was missed.
Ferran Jutgla scored the opener for Club Brugge, but Mario Pasalic equalised just before the break. Unfortunately for La Dea, Gustaf Nilsson scored the winner for Club Brugge just before full time.
Complete composure from Gustaf Nilsson to win it at the end from the spot for Club Brugge
But, the question is, should the penalty have been given? pic.twitter.com/wdAW6e3nAM
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 12, 2025
La Dea will have a chance to overturn the deficit next week when they welcome the Blauw-Zwart to the Gewiss Stadium. Coach Gasperini expects some of his stars to return ahead of the fixture. The Italian tactician believes the return of Lookman and Kolasinac will give the team a much-needed boost.
“The emergency is relative. We only have Lookman and Kolasinac out. We hope to recover them by next week,” Gasperini said, per Pazzidifanta.
“The return match is the least difficult to prepare. We did quite badly at the beginning, but we made our game. We’ll get ready, and we’ll do our best to stay inside. The penalty has put us in trouble, even a lot.”
How Ademola Lookman can help Atalanta
Lookman is an important part of Atalanta’s attack. His ability to switch pace and dribble past defenders is a key asset. He has also formed a great relationship with Charles De Ketelaere, and they have combined for many goals this season.
Under Gasperini, the 27-year-old forward has also mastered arriving late in the box. This often surprises defences, especially as his small size helps him creep into the smallest spaces.
Lookman has already returned to light training. He should play some minutes against Cagliari this weekend before returning to the starting lineup against Club Brugge next week.