UCL: What Atalanta new coach told Ademola Lookman at half time to inspire goal and assist masterclass

It was the perfect night and debut for La Dea’s new boss Raffaele Palladino as an Ademola  Lookman-inspired Atalanta turned on the style to dismantle German club Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. 

Super Eagles star Lookman provided the necessary ammunition as Atalanta’s remarkable second half performance produced goals for a comfortable 3-0 away win on Wednesday night.

28-year-old Nigerian forward Lookman, who had been unlucky in the game after coming close on occasions and rattling the post from eight yards out, was deservedly in the right place and time to volley home the opener on the hour mark. 

Lookman, the goal scorer, then, turned provider moments later as Atalanta doubled the advantage before extending their lead to 3-0 in a blistering five second half minutes. 

It was no less than the Serie A side, who has struggled all through the season leading to the sacking of former boss Ivan Juric, deserved on the night.

Following the display, Juric’s replacement, Palladino, was a happy man and he revealed to UEFA moments after the game what changed after the goalless first half at Deutsche Bank Park.

Speaking after the game, the grateful and happy new boss confirmed he gave Lookman and his Atalanta teammates some tips on their positioning and was happy they listened to instructions.

 "At the end of the first half, I spoke to the lads and gave them some tips, especially to the forwards on where they could position themselves to try and hurt the opposition, and that's exactly what happened.”

“So, I'd like to thank the team because they always make themselves available and follow all the instructions they're given."

On the performance and result, he added that Atalanta deserved the victory and satisfaction that comes with it.

“"I am very happy with the performance. This is a team victory. They deserved this satisfaction; we needed this spark,” he added. 

“I am satisfied with how we played and how we approached the match, both those who played in the first half and those who came on as substitutes. We needed a victory for our growth."

Palladino will be hoping that his Atalanta team led by Lookman will build on this spark when they take on Fiorentina in the Serie A this weekend.