De Rossi Signals Atalanta Could Struggle Without Ademola Lookman Ahead Of Genoa Showdown

According to Ireporter Online, Genoa head coach Daniele De Rossi has warned that Atalanta will be significantly weakened by the absence of Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman ahead of their Serie A clash this weekend. De Rossi described the 28-year-old as a decisive player capable of changing the outcome of matches.

Atalanta will travel to Genoa without Lookman, who has joined Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite his recent form, De Rossi emphasized that Lookman is the type of player every coach wishes to have on the field.

“I would always want Lookman on the pitch because he can make a real difference in Serie A and shift the balance of a game,” De Rossi stated. “Of course, other players on the bench can be dangerous, but having him available or not certainly affects the dynamics.”

Atalanta currently sits 12th in the league with 19 points, a performance below expectations, while Genoa occupy 16th place with 14 points, narrowly above the relegation zone.

Although Lookman has not yet hit peak form this season, his influence on the left flank remains evident. He has scored twice in 11 league appearances and continues to be a regular feature under head coach Raffaele Palladino. Since joining from RB Leipzig three years ago, Lookman has accumulated 55 goals and 26 assists in 134 appearances, highlighting his long-term contribution to the club.

Focus now shifts to the international stage, where Lookman is expected to start for Nigeria against Tanzania in their Group C opener on Tuesday. He was a key figure in the Super Eagles’ squad that reached the 2023 AFCON final in Ivory Coast.