Ademola Lookman propelled Atalanta to the top of Serie A with a decisive late header in a thrilling 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the Gewiss Stadium on Friday. The Nigerian forward’s 10th league goal of the season came in the 87th minute, courtesy of Sead Kolasinac’s flick-on, and secured Atalanta’s ninth consecutive league win, equalling a club record.
Charles De Ketelaere had initially put Atalanta ahead in the 12th minute with a powerful header, but Alvaro Morata equalized for seventh-placed Milan in the 22nd minute, setting up a tense battle. Atalanta’s latest win keeps their hopes of a maiden Scudetto alive, putting them two points clear of Napoli, who face Lazio on Sunday.
The Bergamo-based club now shifts focus to a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday, where they aim to strengthen their chances of direct qualification for the last 16.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Inter Milan secured a convincing 3-1 win over Parma with spectacular goals from Federico Dimarco, Nicolo Barella, and Marcus Thuram. Despite conceding through a late Matteo Darmian own goal, Simone Inzaghi’s team extended their unbeaten streak to 14 matches across all competitions.
Inter, who trail Atalanta by four points with a game in hand, next face Bayer Leverkusen in a pivotal European fixture. Captain Lautaro Martinez, marking his 300th Inter appearance, struggled to convert several scoring opportunities but remains central to the team’s aspirations.
Thuram, the standout performer, notched his 10th Serie A goal of the season in his birthplace of Parma, where his father, Lilian Thuram, once starred for a legendary squad. As the title race intensifies, both Atalanta and Inter remain firmly in the hunt for Serie A glory.
Editor : Olatunde Abiola
