Lookman is a spectacular player — Atalanta boss praises Super Eagles star after first goal of the season

Ademola Lookman finally broke his goal drought in emphatic style, netting a crucial equaliser for Atalanta in their 1-1 draw against AC Milan, which was his first goal since May.

The Nigerian forward’s strike not only rescued a point for the Bergamo side but also earned high praise from his manager Ivan Juric, who lauded Lookman’s determination, resilience, and undeniable talent after a challenging start to the season.

After Samuele Ricci’s early deflected goal handed Milan the lead, Lookman responded with a thunderous finish ten minutes before half-time, blasting the ball into the roof of the net to bring the hosts level.

It was a much-needed confidence boost for the Super Eagles forward, who had been battling for form and fitness since a disrupted pre-season that was thrown into disarray by a transfer saga.

Juric expressed immense satisfaction with his player’s performance, explaining that Lookman’s return to sharpness was worth the extra effort.

“I think we pushed him to play more than perhaps he should’ve done in these games because we wanted him to achieve match fitness,” the Atalanta boss told DAZN Italia. “He is a particular type of guy, but in training and on the pitch, he is a sight to behold, just a spectacular player.”

Juric’s admiration went beyond the goal itself, as he praised Lookman’s attitude and consistency behind the scenes.

“A winner, with incredible determination, and I am very happy for him,” Juric said proudly. “We were only talking yesterday, he said if he trains like this, the goal will come, and today he scored a great goal.”

While Davide Zappacosta came close to snatching victory late on, it was Lookman’s strike that eventually earned Atalanta a point, reaffirming his importance to the club’s attack.

With his goal drought now over, the Nigerian star could be ready to rediscover the form that made him one of Serie A’s standout performers last season.