Atalanta vs Milan: ‘HE'S BACK’ - Relieved Serie A club celebrates Ademola Lookman’s monster strike

In a tense Serie A clash at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday night, Nigerian international Ademola Lookman delivered a sensational equaliser, ending a protracted goal drought and salvaging a crucial point for Atalanta in a 1-1 draw against AC Milan.

Lookman’s ferocious 35th-minute strike cancelled out an early opener from Milan’s Samuele Ricci, providing a timely boost for La Dea and sparking a relieved, jubilant celebration from the club.

The moment the ball ripped into the back of the net, there was a noticeable sense of relief and happiness in Bergamo.

Lookman, who had not found the back of the net for Atalanta since he rejoined the club following transfer saga that resulted in a transfer request, to celebrate his first goal in the Serie A since May, a thunderous left-footed shot that scorched past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The club was quick to acknowledge the importance of the strike. On social media, Atalanta’s official X account (formerly Twitter) summed up the mood in the dressing room and among supporters: “He’s back,” the club posted in all caps.

The goal was more than just a point-saver; it was a sign that the star forward, who endured a turbulent start to the season following a failed summer transfer attempt to Inter Milan, is regaining his best form.

The build-up to the goal was clinical. After Milan took a fourth-minute lead through Ricci, Atalanta responded with intent.

The pressure paid off when Mario Pasalic threaded a clever through-pass to the Nigerian. Lookman darted onto the ball, taking one touch before unleashing his spectacular, season-opening finish.

While Lookman's resurgence is a huge positive, the result extends a concerning run for manager Ivan Juric, who described his Nigerian star as a ‘spectacular’ player.

The draw is Atalanta’s fifth consecutive stalemate and their seventh in just nine Serie A games this campaign (W2, D7).

Although La Dea maintain an impressive unbeaten record, the number of draws indicates a difficulty in turning superior play, demonstrated by accumulating 1.31 Expected Goals (xG) to Milan’s 0.33, according to statistical sources, into decisive victories.

“We were only talking yesterday, he said if he trains like this, the goal will come, and today he scored a great goal,” Juric said following the match, echoing sentiments about the importance of their key forward's confidence.

For Atalanta, who rely on the creativity and goal output of players like Lookman to secure a spot in European competitions, his return to scoring form is paramount to converting these draws into vital wins.

The point ensures Atalanta remain unbeaten, but the failure to capitalise on a home fixture against a major rival will sting.

The team currently sits in a mid-table position, needing to find a cutting edge to climb into the European qualification zone. Lookman's confidence-boosting goal is the catalyst they need.

For the player himself, who had a difficult spell amid speculation about his desire to leave Bergamo, the spectacular finish reestablishes his commitment and his quality. His focus will now shift to maintaining this rhythm for the upcoming fixtures.