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Ebenezer Bajela
Less than three weeks since he joined Italian Serie A side, Atalanta, from RB Leipzig, Nigeria international Ademola Lookman says he is enjoying life in Italy, PUNCH Sports Extra.
The 24-year-old completed his transfer to join the Black and Blues at a cost of €9m plus performance-related bonuses, having spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Leicester City in the English Premier League.
The forward was impressive during his time in England scoring eight goals in 42 appearances for the Foxes, but Brendan Rodgers’ side could not sign the winger permanently due to his €15m valuation by parent club Leipzig.
Since joining Atakanta, the Nigerian has made five appearances and has been involved in three goals (a goal and two assists).
During their matchday 5 fixture weekend against newly promoted Monza on Monday, Lookman put up another superlative performance setting up the opening goal scored by Rasmus Hojlund before his effort was directed into the net by defender Marlon Santos da Silva Barbosa to secure the victory at Brianteo Stadium.
His performance drew praises from Atalanta manager Gian Gasperini, who singled out the Nigerian for praise.
Reacting to the game as related by monza-news.it, the Nigerian though admitted the toughness of the league but said he was enjoying playing there.
“Definitely, the second half was better,” Lookman said.
“I think we created many more chances in the second half; we played much better. And we won the game.
“I am enjoying Italian football. It’s tough; it’s a tough football: I’m adapting more and more, and I’m working hard to improve.”
On the second goal awarded to Barbosa, he said, “I think the 2-0 goal is mine. I repeat, the goal is mine. But what matters is that we have taken the three points and that we are first.
“It is the most important thing to have 13 points and to be in the lead. We are winning and we are there. It is a testament to our work on the pitch and our daily training, our desire to improve and strive to be better.”
After five games in the league, Atalanta currently top the table with 13 points having recorded four wins and a draw. They are also one of the three teams that are yet to lose so far in the Italian topflight league.