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By Anthony Nlebem.
Nigeria international Ademola Lookman continued his goals form as he scored the second goal in Atalanta’s 2-0 win over Sampdoria in Saturday late night fixture at the Gewiss Stadium.
The 25-year-old Nigerian striker has scored 12 Serie A goals in 19 league appearances this season, one goal behind compatriot Victor Osimhen who tops the goals log with 13 goals.
The Nerazzurri were on a roll after 16 goals in their last three competitive games, including a 3-3 thriller with Juventus, and preparing for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia quarter-final against Inter.
Samp had the first chance, as Juan Musso got down for a desperate double save on Manolo Gabbiadini from a tight angle and the Tommaso Augello follow-up.
Hans Hateboer came sliding in at the far post to turn a Jeremie Boga cross over from point-blank range, then Harry Winks made a decisive block on Ademola Lookman from six yards out.
Hojlund again tested Audero from a tight angle and Atalanta broke through on the stroke of half-time after a long period of pressure. Lookman’s header on a Boga cross had bounced off the upright, it was put back to the far stick by Hateboer for another header from Joakim Maehle.
Lookman scored a wonderful solo effort for 2-0, as he gathered in midfield, nutmegged Nicola Murru and sold Bram Nuytinck a dummy before blasting the angled drive across Audero into the far bottom corner.
Atalanta were in complete control and Hojlund tested Audero from a seemingly impossible angle, although Leris almost scored with a strangely looping header that came off his shoulder in stoppages.
Debutant Malagrida had the ball in the net on his Serie A debut, but it was disallowed as Fabio Quagliarella was offside on the initial strike.