Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight on Sunday, earning the Man of the Match award after netting twice in Atalanta’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Empoli in Serie A.
The Nigerian forward set aside recent tensions with head coach Gianpiero Gasperini to continue his stellar form since returning from injury.
Lookman had clashed with Gasperini earlier in the week after the coach publicly criticized him for missing a penalty in Atalanta’s 3-1 Champions League play-off defeat to Club Brugge. In response, the Super Eagles star called the remarks disrespectful.
However, all seemed forgotten as Lookman delivered a sensational performance. He put Atalanta 3-0 ahead in the 43rd minute, skillfully rounding the goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net.
The winger struck again 10 minutes into the second half, using a step-over to beat his marker before firing a low left-footed shot past the keeper.
With this brace, Lookman has now scored 12 league goals and provided five assists in 20 matches this season.
Atalanta remain in the title race, sitting third in the Serie A standings with 54 points, just three behind league leaders Inter Milan.