Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman had a rare off day as Atalanta were held to a goalless draw by Udinese in Saturday’s Serie A clash. The draw marked the first time Atalanta failed to score since their Champions League showdown with Celtic on October 26, 2024.
Lookman, who has been a revelation for Atalanta this season with nine goals and five assists in 16 league appearances, struggled to find his rhythm against a resilient Udinese defense. Despite his impressive form, the Nigerian winger was effectively neutralized, leaving him just shy of his 50th career goal in Europe’s top five leagues.
The match itself had plenty of drama—just not the kind Atalanta fans were hoping for. Udinese dominated the first half, nearly breaking the deadlock when Jaka Bijol’s header forced an acrobatic save from Marco Carnesecchi. Moments later, Alexis Sánchez struck the woodwork twice in quick succession, with Sandi Lovric’s rebound also denied by Carnesecchi in a chaotic sequence.
Atalanta, who lacked their usual attacking spark, almost snatched victory in the final minutes when Lazar Samardzic’s powerful effort was brilliantly saved by Udinese’s Razvan Sava.
The draw leaves Atalanta in second place with 42 points, trailing Napoli by two points, though the league leaders still have a game in hand. Udinese, missing Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye due to injury, remain ninth with 26 points.
For Ademola Lookman, the match was a rare quiet outing in an otherwise stellar season. As the race for the Serie A title intensifies, fans will be eager to see the Nigerian star back to his electrifying best.
