Ademola Lookman net the opener for Italian Serie A side Atalanta in a hard fought 2-1 win over Roma which seals their spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Lookman was a huge doubt in the build up to the game and was only confirmed to start after passing a late fitness taste. He wasted no time in proving why coach Gian Piero Gasperini was eager to have him in the team.
High flying Roma under interim coach Claudio Ranieri were stunned as early as the 9th minute when the reigning Africa player of the year fired him a low effort for the first goal of the game.
It was his 15th goal of the season and he also has five assists despite his team not matching expectations this season following their Europa League triumph last season, thanks to his hattrick in the final.
Bryan Cristante drew Roma level in the 32nd minute, but substitute Ibrahim Sulemana handed Atalanta all three points with what ended as the winner 14 minutes to full time.
The win gives Atalanta an unassailable 71 points with two games left to play and also seal their 3rd spot , and also a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.