Lookman: ‘There are some things people don’t know’ about Atalanta tension

Ademola Lookman discusses getting back to work with Atalanta after a traumatic summer, starring in tonight’s 3-0 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. ‘Some things people know, others they don’t.’

La Dea were dominant in Germany this evening, taking the 3-0 victory with goals from Lookman, Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere, not to mention hitting the woodwork three times too.

It was the first win under new coach Raffaele Palladino, who had only made his debut at the weekend in a 3-1 loss to Napoli after replacing Ivan Juric.

“I think it’s important right now to get the victory, as 3-0 away from home is a really good result,” Lookman told Sky Sport Italia.

This also saw the reunion of the trident attack that won the Europa League Final in 2024, with Gianluca Scamacca fully recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his knee.

“Obviously, it’s very free and easy playing with Scamacca and De Ketelaere, because they are quality players. We just have to keep on working and improving as a team, we take this performance and hope to carry it on in the league.”

Palladino has brought a new approach to Atalanta, stating clearly that attack is the best form of defence for the coach.

“The Mister has a very clear idea of attacking and entertaining football, which you can see in the goals that we scored. Obviously, the DNA of pressing and hard work is in the team anyway, and we have to keep that going.”

Paolo Di Canio was in the Sky Sport Italia studio and asked Lookman how he managed to recreate the bond with his Atalanta teammates and fans after a summer where he fought so hard to join Inter and failed to force through the transfer.

“You know, what’s happened has happened. A lot’s gone on. Some things people know, others they don’t,” replied the Nigeria international.

“Right now is the time to work hard for the team and we need to win games, that’s the most important thing, to get stronger every day. That is what I am concentrated on and so is the team, working together every day to get results.”