Ademola Lookman has rued Atalanta’s 2-1 loss to Bologna in a Serie A clash at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Sunday evening.
In his first start for Atalanta since returning from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles winger made an immediate impact by scoring the opening goal in the 28th minute.
Positioned perfectly to capitalize on a rebound inside the Bologna box, he demonstrated his sharp instincts to give Atalanta an early lead.
However, Bologna fought back, equalizing in the 57th minute through a penalty converted by Zirkzee, before Lewis Ferguson’s strike from outside the area secured them the lead in the 61st minute.
Despite his contribution to Atalanta’s early advantage, Lookman acknowledged that the game ultimately didn’t unfold in their favor.
Reflecting on the match, he admitted that Bologna’s comeback in the second half was facilitated by Atalanta’s failure to maintain their best form.
Lookman‘s assessment highlights the importance of consistency and resilience in football, as even moments of brilliance can be overshadowed by lapses in performance.
The 26-year-old stressed that there is no time to dwell on the defeat as they have to start immediate preparations for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 against Sporting CP.
Lookman tells Atalanta to cheer up
Speaking post-match to Atalanta’s official website, Lookman said: “First half was very, very good. We were positive in our play, set the tempo, and then in the second half we didn’t really come out same way we came out in the first half so for us it was kind of a game of two halves.
“Disappointment but another game on Wednesday so we can’t really stay disappointed so we get ready for the next game.
“Two moments they capitalized on the moments and they scored. We are a team, we fight together, we win together, we lose together so onto the next game.”
