Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello is convinced that Atalanta will be a team to watch in the Serie A race if they can retain the services of Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.
Atalanta BC have never won the Scudetto before but the Black and Blues are currently going through one of their most successful period in history.
Led by astute tactician Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta lifted their first European title in May after beating Bayer Leverkusen in the final to win the Europa League.
La Dea also finished fourth in the Italian Serie A to qualify for the continent’s premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League.
Lookman played a key role in Atalanta’s recent successes as he netted a hat-trick in that final against Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Leicester City and RB Leipzig winger also contributed 18 goals (11 goals and eight assists) to Atalanta’s campaign in Serie A last season.
His impressive performances have attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs with PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City all credited with interest in the 26-year-old.
However, Atalanta are yet to receive any concrete offer for Lookman and the Nigerian forward looks set to remain in Bergamo for the 2024/25 season.
If Atalanta are able to convince Lookman to shun the advances of interested suitors, Capello believes he holds the key to a successful league campaign for Gasperini’s side.
“I liked Atalanta’s moves, with the arrival of Bellanova, a great signing. And if Lookman stays, watch out for Gasp (Gasperini),” Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport as per Calcio Atalanta.
Atalanta began their Serie A campaign with an excellent 4-0 victory over Lecce but the club stumbled on matchday two after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Torino.