CAF POTY Lookman returns for Atalanta today

Newly crowned African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman returns to action for Atalanta when they host Empoli in Serie A on Sunday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigeria international missed Wednesday’s 6-1 Coppa Italia win over Cesena after traveling to Morocco to collect his award, where he became the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award.

Lookman has been instrumental in La Dea’s remarkable run of 10 consecutive wins in Serie A, contributing 11 goals and five assists in 19 appearances in all competitions this season.

The 27-year-old, whose market value has risen to €55 million due to his outstanding performances, is expected to start alongside Charles De Ketelaere and top scorer Mateo Retegui in Atalanta’s attack as they look to maintain their position at the top of Serie A.

“Our plan is not to change anything in the January window,” Atalanta president Antonio Percassi recently said amid growing interest in the Nigerian from several European giants, including Liverpool.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have won 12 of their 16 league games this season and remain in contention for four following their historic Europa League triumph in Dublin last May, where Lookman’s hat-trick secured a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen Trophies.

The former Everton striker’s recent crowning as Africa’s best player follows his 14th place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, cementing his status as one of world football’s rising stars.

Atalanta has only lost one of its last 12 home games in Serie A against today’s opponents Empoli and has won the last four meetings with an aggregate score of 9-1.

The Bergamo side will be without captain Marten de Roon due to suspension, while Giorgio Scalvini remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, joining long-term absentee Gianluca Scamacca in the treatment room.

A win on Sunday would ensure Atalanta spends Christmas topping Serie A for the first time in its 116-year history.