For Atalanta, every inch matters in their pursuit of Serie A success — and few know this better than Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian forward has been the club’s unluckiest player this season, frequently denied by the woodwork at crucial moments.
Lookman is Atalanta’s most unfortunate player this season, with the former Everton forward hitting the woodwork more times than any of his teammates in Serie A.
Despite enjoying a stellar Serie A campaign with 12 goals and five assists, Lookman’s tally could have been even higher had luck favoured him in front of goal.
Ademola Lookman (5 goals in 2024/25) has matched the records of Obafemi Martins (5 goals in 2004/05) and Victor Osimhen (5 goals in 2022/23) for the most goals scored by a Nigerian in a single UEFA Champions League campaign pic.twitter.com/lfNHBllLNv
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) February 26, 2025
A recent statistical analysis has revealed that Lookman has struck ... or crossbar four times in Serie A this term — more than any other Atalanta player.
The club itself leads the league in this frustrating statistic, with a total of 16 efforts hitting the woodwork, more than any other team. Had these near-misses turned into goals, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side might be closer to the summit of the Serie A table.
According to data compiled by L’Eco di Bergamo via Tutto Atalanta, Atalanta tops the Serie A rankings for the most shots denied by the woodwork. Inter Milan follow closely with 15, while Roma and Cagliari have each struck the frame 13 times.
This recurring misfortune has been particularly costly in key matches. In their recent goalless draw against Venezia, Atalanta saw two golden opportunities thwarted by the uprights — first, Davide Zappacosta struck ... in the 40th minute, then, just a minute later, Juan Cuadrado rattled the crossbar.
Both chances came from Lookman’s creative play, as he assisted Zappacosta with an audacious backheel and delivered a pinpoint cross for Cuadrado’s attempt.
Had those shots gone in, Atalanta would have claimed all three points instead of settling for a frustrating draw. Similarly, in their away fixture against Verona, the team twice hit the woodwork, though Mateo Retegui managed to convert the rebounds into goals.
However, in tight encounters against Lazio and Cagliari, the Nerazzurri were not as fortunate — denied potential victories by the smallest of margins.
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Lookman’s hard luck in numbers
Lookman’s personal misfortune with the woodwork stands out among his teammates.
The 26-year-old has seen four of his shots denied by the frame of the goal this season, making him Atalanta’s most unlucky attacker.
Charles De Ketelaere follows with two, while Berat Djimsiti, Sead Kolašinac, and Nicolò Zaniolo have each been denied once.
Despite this, Lookman has enjoyed a productive season, registering 12 goals and five assists in Serie A. If luck had been on his side, his goal tally—and Atalanta’s league position—could be even better.
Atalanta currently sit third in Serie A, but their tally of woodwork strikes suggests they could be even higher. The difference between a win and a draw often comes down to fine margins, and Gasperini’s men have been on the wrong side of those margins on multiple occasions.
Meanwhile, Lookman’s performances, despite his struggles with the woodwork, have not gone unnoticed.
The Nigerian remains a sought-after player in Europe, with interest from clubs in England, Italy, and France.