Bergamo, Italy – December 1, 2025 – In a season that has tested Atalanta's resolve both on and off the pitch, head coach Raffaele Palladino has emerged as the steadying force the club desperately needed. Just weeks into his tenure, Palladino's impact is already palpable, with the Nerazzurri securing back-to-back victories that have injected fresh optimism into a campaign that had veered dangerously close to crisis. Central to this turnaround is Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, whom Palladino unreservedly praised as an "essential asset" to the squad following the 27-year-old's pivotal role in Sunday's 2-0 Serie A triumph over Fiorentina at the Gewiss Stadium.
Lookman's goal in the 51st minute – a clinical tap-in off the rebound from Charles De Ketelaere's header that was brilliantly parried by Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea – sealed what was Atalanta's first league win in eight matches. The Nigerian international's poise in the box not only doubled the lead established just before halftime by Odilon Kossounou's curling strike from the edge of the area but also underscored his growing influence under Palladino's tactical blueprint. This strike marked Lookman's second consecutive Serie A goal, a stark contrast to his earlier struggles this term, where he had managed just one prior to this resurgence.
The victory was no fluke. Atalanta, languishing in the lower echelons of the table with just 13 points from 12 games prior to kickoff, climbed to 11th place with 16 points, edging six points clear of the relegation zone. For Fiorentina, the loss compounded their woes, leaving them rooted in the bottom three under new manager Paolo Vanoli, who is yet to taste domestic success this season. Early chances fell to the visitors – Moise Kean and Roberto Piccoli testing Atalanta custodian Marco Carnesecchi with headers and snapshots – but La Dea gradually asserted control, restricting Fiorentina to sporadic threats after the interval.
This result capped a whirlwind week for Atalanta, who had stunned Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in the UEFA Champions League just days earlier on November 26. Lookman was the architect of that demolition at Deutsche Bank Park, volleying home the opener in the 60th minute from De Ketelaere's pinpoint cross before teeing up Éderson two minutes later for the second. De Ketelaere then rounded off the scoring in the 65th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Gianluca Scamacca's effort rattled the crossbar. The five-minute blitz left Frankfurt shell-shocked, propelling Atalanta to 10th in the UCL standings with 10 points from five matches, while the Germans slumped to 28th with a solitary victory to their name.
Palladino's arrival in mid-November, replacing the beleaguered Ivan Juric after a dismal run of one win in 10 games, has been transformative. His debut ended in a 3-0 defeat to Napoli, but the subsequent Champions League and Serie A successes have silenced doubters. Speaking to TuttoAtalanta post-match against Fiorentina, the 40-year-old coach detailed his straightforward approach to reintegrating Lookman, who had endured a summer of upheaval.
"With Lookman, I did exactly what I did with the rest of the team: I spoke individually. A few words were enough, because he’s an intelligent guy who understands immediately," Palladino revealed. He stressed the mutual clarity in their dialogue: "I was clear, he was very clear with me: we’re going in the same direction because we both want to take Atalanta as high as possible."
This frank exchange was no small feat, given Lookman's turbulent August. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year submitted a formal transfer request on August 3, accusing Atalanta of "broken promises" after they rebuffed bids from Inter Milan – reportedly up to €45 million including add-ons – despite an alleged gentleman's agreement allowing a departure to a "top" club outside Serie A. The standoff escalated when Lookman skipped pre-season training, trained in isolation upon his return in September, and voiced frustrations over the club's handling of his ambitions. Interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain had flickered earlier, but Atalanta's €50 million valuation proved prohibitive. By late November, however, Lookman signaled a truce, hinting at commitment amid lingering January whispers from Galatasaray.
Palladino's endorsement extends beyond Lookman's finishing – now three goals and one assist across all competitions this season. "He’s having a strong offensive phase, but I emphasize his defensive commitment: he’s 100% in the game. I’m happy for his goals; he’s an essential asset," the coach added, highlighting the forward's pressing and tracking back that have fortified Atalanta's high-line system. This holistic praise resonates in a squad blending youth and experience, with De Ketelaere's creativity (two goals in a week) and Kossounou's emergence complementing Lookman's flair.
For Nigeria, Lookman's revival is timely. With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations looming in Morocco from December 18, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle views the Bergamo-based star as a linchpin. His Europa League heroics last season – a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen – cemented his status, but recent international blanks against Rwanda and Benin heightened concerns. Post-Frankfurt, Lookman himself reflected: "What’s happened has happened… some things people know, others they don’t. Right now is the time to work hard for the team… to get stronger every day." Teammates and fans have echoed this sentiment on social media, with posts celebrating his "irreplaceable" role flooding platforms like X.
Atalanta's broader context adds layers to this narrative. The club, perennial overachievers under Gian Piero Gasperini until his mid-2024 departure, has grappled with transition. Juric's sacking stemmed from defensive frailties – 25 goals conceded in 12 league games – and a failure to replicate last season's top-four finish. Palladino, a former Monza tactician known for pragmatic, counter-attacking setups, has instilled discipline without stifling creativity. His sides at Monza ranked high in expected goals against, a trait evident in the clean sheets versus Frankfurt and Fiorentina. Yet challenges persist: injuries to key midfielders like Teun Koopmeiners have forced reliance on loanees, while fixture congestion – next up is a Coppa Italia clash with Parma – tests squad depth.
Lookman's journey mirrors Atalanta's. From a £7.7 million signing from RB Leipzig in 2022, he has evolved into a 52-goal talisman in 117 appearances, blending pace, vision, and composure. His summer discontent stemmed from a desire for Champions League stability – Inter offered that allure – but staying has reignited his fire. As Palladino noted, their aligned vision could propel Atalanta toward European contention and a Serie A podium push.
In Bergamo's crisp December air, Lookman's smile post-Fiorentina said it all: redemption tastes sweetest when shared. For Atalanta, he's more than an asset – he's the spark illuminating a path back to prominence. With AFCON on the horizon, Nigeria's faithful can only hope this flame endures across continents.
