La Dea’s head coach believes the Super Eagles forward and his teammates are prepared to go the distance against Xabi Alonso’s undefeated side.
Gian Piero Gasperini has disclosed that Ademola Lookman and his Atalanta teammates are ready for multiple scenarios when they take on Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
09:30 - 10.05.2024
Ademola Lookman: The numbers behind the masterclass that set up explosive all-Nigerian UEL final
Ademola Lookman played a starring role as Atalanta knocked out Marseille to set up an explosive clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen
Atalanta aim to end the Bundesliga champions’ unbeaten streak, keen to add the German champions to the slain Marseille, Liverpool and Sporting CP en route to the final.
Leverkusen are chasing a historic unbeaten treble, with Atalanta standing in their path to moving closer to that ambition.
Lookman has played a pivotal role in the competition’s knockout rounds, scoring important strikes against Sporting and Marseille (he recorded an assist in the latter) in the 3-0 win over the Ligue 1 club to seal a 4-1 aggregate victory in the semi-finals.
Gasperini recognises the challenge of facing Leverkusen but is convinced his players are prepared.
“The attacking department is complete, and so, we can prepare for 90 minutes or more," said Gasperini on Tuesday. “Everyone will be there tomorrow. (Gianluca) Scamacca will be there, (Ademola) Lookman will be there, (Charles) De Ketelaere will be there.
“We still have regrets over our game against Juventus, which was not one of our better performances. But now there’s another game, another final, another trophy.”
Victory on Wednesday will be Atalanta's first honour since claiming the Serie B title in 2010-11.