The key to Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta revival is simpler than you think

Ademola Lookman’s season has taken a sharp turn over the last two weeks, and inside Atalanta’s camp they say the explanation isn’t complicated.

The Super Eagles forward, who began the campaign under a cloud after his failed push to join Inter Milan, has finally settled into the rhythm Raffaele Palladino wanted from him. That stability has shown up on the pitch, where he has now scored in successive games against Eintracht Frankfurt and Fiorentina.

Lookman’s early weeks after returning from the collapsed transfer were uneasy. He had been asked to train alone at first, then struggled to find his range when he rejoined the squad in September. The spark returned only recently, and his display in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Fiorentina showed a player once again moving freely, demanding the ball, and pressing with conviction.

According to Palladino, the shift came from a straightforward discussion. The new Atalanta manager said he sat with Lookman privately and cleared the air around expectations and roles. That conversation, he insists, changed everything for both sides.

A clearer path for Lookman as AFCON 2025 edges closer

Palladino recounted the exchange shortly after the Fiorentina win, telling reporters Lookman responded immediately to the message. “We spoke one-on-one,” the coach said via TuttoAtalanta. “A few words were enough.

“He’s sharp, he understands quickly. I explained what I wanted, he told me what he needed. We’re aligned now, and we both want Atalanta pushing upwards.”

The manager also highlighted the winger’s work off the ball, noting that his defensive effort has matched his attacking drive. “He’s in a good moment going forward, but it’s his commitment without the ball that stands out. He’s fully engaged. I’m pleased for him, he’s vital for us.”

Lookman’s tally now sits at three goals and an assist in 13 matches across all competitions. With AFCON 2025 on the horizon and Victor Osimhen’s fitness still being monitored, his resurgence comes at a useful time for Nigeria. The Super Eagles will need his sharpness in Morocco, and Atalanta’s revived version of Lookman is exactly the one they hope shows up.