Ademola Lookman emerged as Atalanta’s unexpected hero during their remarkable 3-0 victory over German champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final in Dublin. Leverkusen had arrived in the Irish capital boasting an unbeaten record in 51 games for the season and pursuing a historic treble.
However, it was Atalanta, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, who ultimately claimed victory.
Lookman, a Nigerian-born player who grew up in England and came through the Charlton Athletic youth academy, delivered a stunning performance, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final since 1975.
His journey to Atalanta was unconventional, having struggled for regular playing time at Everton and RB Leipzig before embarking on loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City in the English Premier League.
It was Atalanta’s shrewd recruitment and Gasperini’s exceptional coaching that allowed the club to emerge from the shadows of traditional Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan. Lookman’s arrival in Bergamo was facilitated by Atalanta’s former head of sport, Lee Congerton, who had previously worked at Leicester City.
Now, Lookman will forever be celebrated in northern Italy as the architect of Atalanta’s most significant triumph in their 116-year history. His unexpected heroics epitomize the club’s remarkable rise and underline the transformative impact of Gasperini’s leadership and the club’s strategic recruitment efforts.
“No one ever imagined he could make this much progress,” said Gasperini.
“He did something that will remain in the annals of history. He has carried himself as an incredible player and a match-winner.”
Lookman’s treble took his tally in two seasons with the club to 30.
He also helped fire Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations this year and believes his career is ready to explode at the age of 26.
“I’ve always had confidence in my ability,” said Lookman.
“In the past few years I’ve been able to take my game to a new level and show that on a more consistent basis.
“I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made but this is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this.”
Rough diamonds
Lookman is far from the only rough diamond that Gasperini has polished to turn Atalanta into a force in Serie A and on the continent.
He formed a fearsome front three this season with Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca after their difficult spells at AC Milan and West Ham respectively.
“The first few conversations I had with him made me look at football differently,” added Lookman.
“He made it simpler in my mind and made me look at my game in a different light.”
Gasperini reiterated his feeling that it did not take a trophy to vindicate the fine work he has done over the past eight years.
“I never believed one trophy would change our journey – the run we have been on is worth more than one piece of silverware,” said the 66-year-old.
“The game we have played tonight is the result of the journey.”
However, Gasperini did ackowledge that Atlanta’s first major trophy for 61 years and the first of his coaching career was a rare victory for the underdog in a sport usually dominated by the clubs with the deepest pockets.
“To win it with Atalanta is perhaps one of the football fairytales that rarely gives scope for meritocracy,” said Gasperini.
“It doesn’t always come down to cold hard numbers or super leagues but shows teams without huge budgets can achieve big things.”
