Lookman believes in Atalanta title dream after reaching Serie A summit

Nigeria forward Lookman continued his superb form by nodding in his 10th goal of the campaign with three minutes remaining at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, where delirious fans chanted "We're gonna win the league" at the final whistle.

The 27-year-old met Sead Kolasinac's flick-on from a corner to give Atalanta a club-record-equalling ninth straight win in Italy's top flight and move them two points above Napoli. Antonio Conte's Napoli host Lazio on Sunday night and will have to beat the team who knocked them out of the Italian Cup if they are to reclaim their narrow league lead.

"I just think we continue to play the way we play, match-by-match, and, you know, we believe in ourselves as a team," said Lookman when asked by Sky about Atalanta's title hopes.

Alvaro Morata had looked to have earned Milan a point in a fiery atmosphere with his 22nd-minute leveller after former Milan flop Charles De Ketelaere had crashed Atalanta ahead in the 12th minute with a thumping header.

But Milan coach Paulo Fonseca was livid at referee Federico La Penna, in particular for De Ketelaere not being penalised for what he saw as a foul on Theo Hernandez when he lept to score Atalanta's opener.

"Their first goal was a clear foul, there can be no doubt about it. The referee officiated against Milan," said Fonseca, whose team are seventh and 12 points behind Atalanta.

Fonseca said that he had been "afraid" about La Penna's refereeing as he had been in the VAR booth for Milan's win over Udinese earlier in the season when Tijjani Reijnders was inexplicably sent off for an extremely soft foul. "I get that they have a difficult job, but it's the same thing every week. They don't respect Milan," he added.

Atalanta now turn their attentions to Tuesday's visit of Real Madrid in the Champions League when they can strengthen their case for direct qualification for the last 16 and get revenge for defeat in the European Super Cup in August.

Few would be surprised with an Atalanta win over Madrid, just as no-one would be shocked if they were to be crowned Italian champions come May.

 

December 6, 2024