Super Eagles and Atalanta forward, Ademola Olajade Lookman, swept his midweek penalty debacle under the carpet as he scored a brace in his side\u2019s 5-0 win over Empoli, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n The 27-year-old was the centre of attention in La Dea\u2019s<\/em> UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge after he missed a spot-kick from twelve yards, and was labelled as the worst penalty taker by the club coach, Gian Piero Gasperini.<\/p>\n Lookman<\/a> hit back at his manager, claiming he didn\u2019t appreciate being singled out for the team\u2019s failures. Today, he showed his importance to the 2024 UEFA Europa League winners.<\/p>\n Lookman<\/a> returned to the starting XI for the first time since suffering a knee injury in late January and immediately threatened after ninety seconds as he rolled a cross into Mateo Retegui\u2019s path but the Italian\u2019s attempt was cut out by Giuseppe Pezzella.<\/p>\n Ghana\u2019s Emmanuel Gyasi scored an own goal to give Gasperini\u2019s side the lead after Davide Zappacosta\u2019s cross took a big deflection off the winger\u2019s chest.<\/p>\n Atalanta doubled their lead from a short corner. Lookman\u2019s cross was flicked on by Berat Djimsiti for Retegui to side-foot home his 21st Serie A goal of the season.<\/p>\n Retegui turned provider for Atalanta\u2019s third goal. The 25-year-old\u2019s through ball nutmegged a defender before the ball got to Lookman. The Nigerian rolled it under the sole of his boot to get away from Empoli\u2019s goalkeeper and pass the ball into an empty goal.<\/p>\n Ademola Lookman will make goals so easy.<\/p>\n Look at this \u2014 POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Lookman added Atalanta\u2019s fourth with a brilliant left-footed finish after a pass from Martin De Roon saw him beat Liberato Cacace for pace. The former RB Leipzig man has now scored 17 goals and provided seven assists in 29 games across all competitions.<\/p>\n Ademola Lookman completes his brace, increasing Atalanta\u2019s lead to a commanding 0-4 over Empoli \u26bd<\/p>\n Video Courtesy : SerieA#SerieA<\/a> #Empoli<\/a> #Atalanta<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/eSWEi84Y6B<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 STARZPLAY | \u0633\u062a\u0627\u0631\u0632\u0628\u0644\u0627\u064a (@STARZPlayArabia) February 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Lookman was taken off after 76 minutes and shook hands with assistant manager, Tullio Gritti, but not the team\u2019s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, as per Football Italia<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n MVP smile \u2b50\ufe0f #EmpoliAtalanta<\/a> #GoAtalantaGo<\/a> \u26ab\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/k77jJJZwxB<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) February 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Davide Zappocasta scored Atalanta\u2019s fifth goal with a powerful shot from outside the box to put La Dea<\/em> within three points of the Serie A leaders, Inter Milan.<\/p>\n Nerazzurri a \ufe0f stelle<\/p>\n A five-star display from these lads @acqua_lete<\/a> | #EmpoliAtalanta<\/a> 0-5 FT #GoAtalantaGo<\/a> \u26ab\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/ilKeU9PEZW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) February 23, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Atalanta have now won three of their last nine Serie A games, with Lookman\u2019s injury playing a vital role in their loss of form. His return should spark extra life into their Scudetto pursuit.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/imago1059205111-1024x683.jpg\")
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