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Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman lit up the pitch with an early brace in Atalanta’s brilliant 3-0 win at Napoli on Sunday.
Lookman’s two goals in the first half shattered Napoli’s confidence and handed them a rare defeat. La Dea’s strategic masterclass, spearheaded by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, killed whatever Antonio Conte planned with his team heading into the encounter.
Napoli, missing key midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, fielded Billy Gilmour again following their midweek 2-0 away win over Milan. Although Atalanta entered with four successive victories, Gasperini opted to drop top scorer Mateo Retegui from the starting lineup.
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After applying early pressure, Atalanta found the breakthrough when Matias Olivera’s clearance fell short. Charles De Ketelaere cleverly flicked it to Lookman, who volleyed it home delightfully. The goal ended Napoli’s three-match run of clean sheets.
Napoli almost responded instantly, with ex-Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay’s powerful strike rattling the post just moments after Lookman’s opener. Atalanta soon doubled their lead, with Lookman’s curling strike from outside the 18-yard area beating Alex Meret.
Isak Hien’s strong defending, coupled with Berat Djimsiti’s key block, kept Napoli’s attack – led by Romelu Lukaku – at bay. Despite Matteo Politano’s efforts and a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia setup, Napoli struggled to make use of their chances.
Early in the second half, Napoli’s urgency intensified, with Sead Kolašinac’s disallowed goal adding to their frustrations.
Amir Rrahmani missed a header, while Carnesecchi denied Alessandro Buongiorno with a superb save to maintain Atalanta’s lead. Napoli pushed forward relentlessly, but Lookman came close again, striking the side-netting following a swift counter.
Substitute Retegui added a consolation with a controlled low volley, although his celebration ignited tempers on Atalanta’s bench.
Napoli still top the Serie A table with 25 points from 11 league matches. Atalanta closely follow in second spot having accrued 22 points from same number of games.
Top favourite to win the 2024 Africa Player of the Year Lookman has now scored six goals and created four assists in the league this season.
Tags: Atalanta, Napoli, Diego Maradona Stadium, Serie A, Ademola Lookman, Amir Rrahmani, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Matteo Politano, Isak Hien, Alex Meret, Sead Kolašinac, Gian Piero Gasperini, Billy Gilmour, Stanislav Lobotka, Mateo Retegui, La Dea, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcsports, #NewsRoundTheClock.
