2024 UEFA Europa League winners Atalanta have now played two consecutive games without a goal following their draw against Slavia Prague last night, Soccernet.ng reports.
In their last five games, Ivan Juric’s side have found the back of the net four times, keeping two clean sheets in the process.
While their displays have not been poor, their profligacy in front of goal might cost them moving forward.
Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman, has yet to hit top form this season after missing pre-season preparations with La Dea.
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Lookman scored the second-most goals for La Dea, behind Mario Retegui. However, Atalanta sold the Italian striker to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadasiya, leaving a gap of over 30 goals in attack.
With the former Fulham man not in form, Atalanta have struggled for goals, with their highest goal scorer having just two this season.
Following consecutive goalless draws against Lazio and Slavia Prague, Atalanta boss Ivan Juric was left frustrated but demanded more from his players.
“Hopefully a little bit of everything. In two games, we had fifteen shots on goal, of all kinds: of head, of foot, in counter-attack, on manoeuvred action,” the Croatian coach said in quotes revealed by Tutto Atalanta.
“It’s a time like this, when the ball doesn’t want to get in. On the other hand, however, I am happy because when a team creates so much, it means that it works well, physically and mentally.
“We have players who often come to the shot, and that’s a positive sign. We just have to keep believing in it, because sooner or later this moment will unlock.”
Lookman’s dip in form not helping Atalanta
With the Nigerian yet to hit the form he’s known for, Juric revealed he doesn’t know how to exploit the sharpness the England-born attacker has shown over the past four years in Bergamo.
“I understand the reasoning, but I think we have valuable players,” Ivan Juric continued.
“In addition to Scamacca, which can become devastating, we have elements such as Lookman, Krstovic and Ademola who often arrive in the goal area
“Right now, we lack lucidity in the final third. For example, Ademola is usually devastating between the third and fifth gear, when he’s in full motion, but lately we have not been able to exploit it as we know.
“We need to improve there, with more directness and conviction,” the 50-year-old concluded.
After winning the CAF Player of the Year Award in 2024, Lookman wasn’t nominated for the 2025 edition of the award.
Victor Osimhen, Sehrou Giurassy, Mohamed Salah, and Achraf Hakimi made the CAF shortlist.