Ademola Lookman marked his return from the 2024 CAF Awards by scoring in Atalanta’s 3-2 win over Empoli, helping his side set a new club record of 11 consecutive Serie A victories.
Ademola Lookman, who had traveled to Morocco to claim the CAF African Player of the Year award, was back in action for Atalanta and made an immediate impact.
The win lifted La Dea to the top of the Serie A table, leapfrogging SSC Napoli as they head into the Christmas break.
The Nigerian forward tapped in from close range in first-half stoppage time, finishing off a precise header from Nicolò Zaniolo following a cross by Charles De Ketelaere. The goal capped a perfect week for the Nigerian, who now 12 goals and 5 assits in 19 games across all competitions.
African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman scores to give Atalanta the lead
2024 belongs to Ademola Lookman!!!! pic.twitter.com/K7dNnXNoEQ
— SportsDokita (Odogwu ) (@Sports_Doctor2) December 22, 2024
This goal gave Atalanta a 2-1 lead after Lorenzo Colombo had put Empoli ahead early and De Ketelaere had equalized with a diving header.
Empoli fought back in the second half, and a Sebastiano Esposito penalty in the 57th minute brought the score level at 2-2.
However, with the game heading toward a draw, De Ketelaere dazzled the crowd in the 86th minute, slaloming past four defenders to score a brilliant solo effort and secure all three points for Atalanta.
Atalanta now sit at the top of Serie A with 37 points from 16 matches, extending their winning streak and solidifying their place as title contenders.
Empoli, despite a spirited performance, dropped into the bottom half of the table with the defeat.