Lookman eyes first win against Juventus
Ademola Lookman will be looking for his first-ever victory against Juventus when Atalanta visit Turin for Sunday evening’s Serie A clash, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian international has failed to secure a win in five previous meetings with the Bianconeri, managing just four draws and suffering one defeat while contributing two goals and one assist.
Juventus are not the only Serie A giants who have proven to be Lookman’s bogey team. The 27-year-old forward has endured even more frustration against Inter Milan, having lost all six encounters with the Nerazzurri while scoring just once and providing an assist.
Both teams enter Sunday’s fixture still harbouring hopes of mounting an unlikely Serie A title challenge. Juventus have revived their Scudetto ambitions with five consecutive league victories, pulling within six points of leaders Inter Milan with 11 matches remaining.
Thiago Motta’s side could move level on 55 points with fourth-placed Atalanta if they extend their winning streak at the Allianz Stadium. However, history suggests a stalemate might be the most likely outcome, as the fixture has produced the most Serie A draws since Gian Piero Gasperini took charge of Atalanta nearly nine years ago – 11 in 17 matches.
The Bergamo outfit have recently struggled for form, with their title hopes fading after dropping points in successive home draws against relegation-threatened sides. Last weekend’s frustrating stalemate with Venezia cost them the chance to draw level with Inter at the summit.
Lookman’s future at Atalanta has become increasingly uncertain following a public dispute with manager Gasperini after the club’s Champions League exit.
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle United have already dispatched scouts to Italy to assess the forward ahead of a potential summer move.
Multiple Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation, with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool all reportedly interested in securing his services. Sources suggest Atalanta could demand up to €65m (£53.8m) for the player who dramatically rose to prominence after scoring a historic hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final.
Lookman’s camp has made it clear that returning to the Premier League remains a primary ambition. His impressive form since joining Atalanta – including 17 goals and seven assists this season – has only increased interest from top English clubs.
With Lookman entering the final 12 months of his contract and Gasperini suggesting he will not extend his deal, Sunday’s clash against Juventus takes on added significance for the Nigeria international as he aims to break his duck against the Turin giants.
For the match, Lookman is expected to partner with Charles De Ketelaere in supporting Serie A’s top scorer Mateo Retegui in attack. The Nigerian and Retegui have been a formidable partnership this season, contributing 33 league goals between them.
