Genoa Coach De Rossi Highlights Lookman's Impact Ahead of Serie A Clash and AFCON Duty
Ademola Lookman remains a pivotal figure for Atalanta despite a slower start to the 2025-26 Serie A season, drawing high praise from Genoa head coach Daniele De Rossi. De Rossi emphasized that Atalanta will noticeably miss the Nigerian winger in their upcoming matchday 16 Serie A encounter on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris, as Lookman joins Nigeria's Super Eagles for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.
De Rossi's Assessment
De Rossi, a former Roma legend now leading Genoa, described Lookman as a game-changer regardless of current form. "I confess that if I were to coach Lookman, I'd always want him on the pitch because in Serie A he can make the difference and shift the balance," De Rossi stated, via FCInter1908. He added, "We've also seen how dangerous the other players on the bench are, but having him or not certainly changes things," acknowledging Atalanta's depth but underscoring Lookman's unique threat from the left flank.
This praise comes as Genoa, sitting 16th with 14 points, battles relegation pressures just five points clear of the drop zone, while Atalanta languishes in 12th on 19 points—below their typical title-contending standards under coach Raffaele Palladino.
Lookman's Season and Career Stats
At 28, Lookman has managed two goals in 11 Serie A appearances this season, yet retains his starting spot due to consistent danger. Recent form shows mixed results: draws against Bologna and Venezia (90 minutes each), a substitute loss to Juventus, and starts in Champions League wins over Young Boys and RB Leipzig, alongside Nigeria World Cup qualifiers. Overall 2025-26 stats include 1.9 shots per 90 minutes, 81% pass completion, and an average rating of 7.3 across eight starts and two subs.
Since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, Lookman has exploded with 55 goals and 26 assists in 134 matches, including a memorable hat-trick in last year's Europa League final. His pace, dribbling (2.6 per 90), and final-third presence (13.1 touches per 90) make him indispensable.
AFCON 2025 Focus for Nigeria
Lookman's international duties begin with Nigeria's Group C opener against Tanzania on December 23, 2025, in Fès, followed by Tunisia (December 27) and Uganda (December 30)—all times Nigeria-friendly. As a key 2023 AFCON finalist who reached the Ivory Coast final, Lookman joins early arrivals like Semi Ajayi and Osayi-Samuel in Super Eagles camp, boosting preparations ahead of practice matches.
Match Implications
Without Lookman, Atalanta faces a tactical reshuffle, potentially exposing vulnerabilities against Genoa's survival push. De Rossi's comments reflect Lookman's reputation as a "decisive presence," even in a form dip, setting the stage for a gritty Serie A battle. Fans can follow live updates on platforms like FotMob or Sofascore.
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