Atalanta head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has praised Ademola Lookman and two other attackers for their display in his side’s 3-0 victory over Serie A league leaders, Napoli, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman scored a first-half brace at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to settle any early nerves before Mario Retegui came off the bench to score his 11th goal of the season.
Belgian striker, Charles De Ketelaere, provided two assists for Lookman’s brace, and the performance of the trio thrilled Gasperini.
“We think we can measure ourselves against these high-level teams. These matches are a scale for us too, we knew we had to put in a high-level performance. We have grown in personality and technique; we are undoubtedly happy.
Lookman, De Ketelaere and Retegui are very strong, and besides them we also have Zaniolo who we couldn’t use today. Those three are on a higher step but the others can reach it too. We can’t always use all three given the many matches, but you can also make a difference from the bench,” the Italian gaffer said in quotes revealed by The Nation.
Atalanta are now third on the Serie A table, three points behind league leaders, Napoli, and two behind Inter who are in second place. Speaking about La Dea’s title aspirations, Gasperini maintained optimism.
“We need to grow but we are getting good responses. Eleven players have arrived in the squad. Retegui has given immediate answers but today Kossounou and Brescianini also did well. Samardzic, Bellanova, there are many that I can’t list.”
Atalanta’s attackers have been brilliant this season. Mario Retegui, Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere have all combined for 31 goals in 11 league games this season.