ADEMOLA Lookman has noted that new Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has brought a refreshing attacking energy to the side after the sacking of Ivan Juric.
Super Eagles forward Lookman starred on Wednesday night as Atalanta beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in Germany to keep their UEFA Champions League knockout rounds hopes alive.
Lookman scored the opening goal and set up the second for Ederson to give Palladino his first Atalanta victory, after the 3-1 defeat to Serie A champions Napoli at the weekend.
“I think it’s important right now to get the victory, as 3-0 away from home is a really good result,” Lookman told Sky Sport Italia.
The match also saw the reunion of the three-man attack that won the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024, with Gianluca Scamacca fully recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee.
“Obviously, it’s very free and easy playing with Scamacca and De Ketelaere, because they are quality players,” the Nigeria international added.
“We just have to keep on working and improving as a team, we take this performance and hope to carry it on in the league.”
Palladino has brought a new approach to Atalanta, stating clearly that attack is the best form of defence for the coach.
“The Mister has a very clear idea of attacking and entertaining football, which you can see in the goals that we scored,” Lookman noted.
“Obviously, the DNA of pressing and hard work is in the team anyway, and we have to keep that going.”
Italian legend Paolo Di Canio was in the Sky Sport Italia studio and asked Lookman how he managed to recreate the bond with his Atalanta teammates and fans after a summer where he fought so hard to join Inter Milan and failed to force through the transfer.
“You know, what’s happened has happened. A lot’s gone on. Some things people know, others they don’t,” he replied.
“Right now is the time to work hard for the team and we need to win games, that’s the most important thing, to get stronger every day.
“That is what I am concentrated on and so is the team, working together every day to get results.”
Lookman fell out publicly with both Juric and his predecessor Gian Piero Gasperini while also battling to leave Atalanta.