Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has listed Ademola Lokman in his ‘very strong’ stars after the Nigeria international striker struck a first half brace in an emphatic 3-0 win at Serie A leaders Napoli.
Lookman who deservedly earned the Man-of-the-match award for his stunning display, opened the scoring after 10 minutes, volleying home from close range after a headed cross from Charles De Ketelaere.
The Nigerian doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark with a long-range strike from another De Ketelaere pass, before substitute Mateo Retegui added the third in stoppage time to end Napoli’s 100% home league record this season.
Expressing his satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighted the significance of the result: “We think we can measure ourselves against these high-level teams. These matches are a scale for us too, we knew we had to put in a high-level performance. We have grown in personality and technique; we are undoubtedly happy.”
The coach further saluted his wards’ dominant display even as he singled out Lookman and others for special praises, adding Atalanta have ‘grown in personality and technique’.
He added: “Lookman, De Ketelaere and Retegui are very strong, and besides them we also have Zaniolo who we couldn’t use today. Those three are on a higher step but the others can reach it too. We can’t always use all three given the many matches, but you can also make a difference from the bench.”
Discussing Atalanta’s title aspirations, Gasperini remained cautious but optimistic: “We need to grow but we are getting good responses. Eleven players have arrived in the squad. Retegui has given immediate answers but today Kossounou and Brescianini also did well. Samardzic, Bellanova, there are many that I can’t list.”
Despite the convincing win, Gasperini was quick to praise Napoli’s strength: “In any case, Napoli is a strong team, credit must be given to De Laurentiis and Manna. They changed coach and Conte has done and will do extraordinary things, today’s match won’t make me change my mind.”