Ademola LookmanA late goal gave Atalanta a 2–1 win against AC Milan, taking them top of Serie A. Despite facing tough defending from Emerson Royal and Younis Musah, Lookman scored his eighth league goal of the season, heading in a corner in the 87th minute.
It was not Lookman's best performance as Emerson Royal marshaled him forcefully, although referee Federico La Penna allowed little to be done, but Lookman was alive until a late corner, in goal for AC Milan, by Mike Maignan. Leaving behind.
It was the ninth consecutive league win for the Bergamo-based team as they look to improve after their UEFA Europa League triumph last season.
Without their suspended manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta started without Serie A's leading goalscorer Matteo Retegui.
Lookman and former Milan player Charles de Catelare were the two forward players, while Milan started without their Nigerian winger, Samuel Chukwueze.
A fast start from both sides led to Christian Pulisic almost scoring after 20 seconds, but Marco Carneschi made a brilliant save. De Cateleire gave Atalanta the lead by fouling Theo Hernandez in the 12th minute. Lookman played the catalyst for the free kick that gave his side the lead after Younis Musah was fouled.
This was almost a tough task for the Nigerian, as he was always double teamed by Royal and Moses. But the adage that you can't keep a good man down was true as with three minutes left on the clock Lookman won a corner from where he nodded the winner.
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Atalanta top the Serie A table with 34 points after 15 match days, followed by Napoli in second with 32 points and a game in hand. In third place are Inter Milan with 31 points, after the defending champions beat Parma 3-1 on Friday evening.
Lookman's impressive performances for both club and country make him a strong contender for the 2024 African Player of the Year award. For now, he and his teammates will get a chance to enjoy being on top of Serie A, at least for the next 24 hours.
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