Lookman solidifies his CAF Player of the Year claim with brace in Verona’s thrashing
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Lookman scores brace against Verona || Imago

Lookman solidifies his CAF Player of the Year claim with brace in Verona’s thrashing

Stephen Oladehinde 21:53 - 26.10.2024

Ademola Lookman showed why he is the favourite to win the CAF Player of the Year award with four-goal contributions in Atalanta’s thrashing of Hellas Verona.

The Super Eagles star was recently nominated for the CAF Player of the Year award, which will be held in Morocco in December.

Atalanta headed into the game against Verona off the back of a 0-0 draw against Celtic in the UEFA Champions League.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side showed ruthlessness in the game and thrashed Hella Verona 6-1 to claim all three points.

As it happened 

CAF Player of the Year favourite Ademola Lookman made the starting lineup despite playing poorly in his last two games.

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Atalanta started the game with a lot of attacking threats and scored two goals within the first ten minutes of the game.

Marten de Roon scored the first goal in the sixth minute before Mateo Retegui added the second in the ninth minute.

Lookman scores for Atalanta || Imago
Lookman scores for Atalanta || Imago

Six minutes after the first two goals, Atalanta scored the third when Charles De Ketelaere collected a pass and fired an unstoppable shot into the top left corner.

The home side continued their ruthless attack, which led to Lookman scoring two goals to make it five for Atalanta.

Lookman celebrating his second goal || Imago
Lookman celebrating his second goal || Imago

Ademola Lookman dribbled past his opponents and unleashed a magnificent effort from the edge of the box into the bottom left corner.

The Super Eagles star then scored his second of the night after he received a delightful pass inside the box before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. 

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman || Imago
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman || Imago

Hella Verona were only able to get just a goal back before the halftime whistle when Amin Sarr got to the ball on the edge of the box and fired in a first-time shot without any hesitation.

The demolition continued in the second half, with Mateo Retegui adding the sixth goal and his second of the game.

The game ended in a 6-1 victory for Atalanta, who are now fourth on the Serie A table and level on points with Juventus.

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