When Lookman was delighted, the goal was scored.

BERGAMO, TUESDAY — Ademola Lookman is gradually but surely returning to his best form with Atalanta. He marked the beginning of his resurgence by scoring an equalizer against AC Milan in the midweek Serie A match that ended 1-1 at the New Balance Arena, Bergamo, Wednesday (29/10/2025) early morning WIB.

This season, Lookman has only played a full 90 minutes twice, following the tension from a failed transfer to Inter Milan during the last summer transfer window. Lookman scored the equalizing goal at 1-1 in the 35th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Mario Pasalic.

This goal was not only crucial as a savior for Atalanta, but it also showcased a flash of brilliance from the Nigerian player, as he received a pass between two Milan defenders, and then, in two steps, unleashed a left-footed shot that was unstoppable for goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The 28-year-old forward became the solution to Atalanta's deadlock, where just minutes earlier, there were golden opportunities from Ederson and Honest Ahanor. In those two instances, Lookman was actually in a more open position, and if Ederson and Ahanor had passed the ball to Lookman, a goal would have been the result. However, the automation of play between Lookman and his teammates was indeed less solid, following Lookman's limited playing time this season.

The 28-year-old player did not appear in the first three matches of Serie A, when Atalanta faced Pisa, Parma, and Lecce. He then played three minutes at home against Torino and remained an unused substitute in the match against Juventus.

Lookman then played longer, 73 minutes in the match against Como, and 82 minutes against Lazio. As his physical condition improved, Lookman played the full 90 minutes in the last two matches, against Cremonese and AC Milan.

"It's important to be able to play for the team, to help the team. I haven't been able to find my form yet, physically or in front of goal, but finally I'm there, and this is a step in the right direction. Hopefully, in the coming games we can get some wins," Lookman told DAZN Italia, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Lookman has indeed been slow to warm up this season as he had missed training sessions leading up to the start of the season, in protest against Atalanta's owner's refusal to release him to Inter Milan. This situation has resulted in his physical condition and adaptation to the game with his teammates not being sufficiently solid.

Now, after nine matches, the attacking player with dribbling skills and sharp finishing ability is beginning to show his best performance. His goal against Milan was his first goal since the match against Roma last season on May 12, 2025.

After going through tensions with the club management, Lookman can now begin to enjoy the game again. He dribbles the ball joyfully, although his relationship with the management of Atalanta may not yet be fully harmonious.

"I think when I am on the field, the most important thing is to try to help the team win. We want to continue climbing up the standings, and that is the most important thing, to win football matches," Lookman emphasized regarding his relationship with the club management.

In the match against the Rossoneri, Lookman was a key player with his goal. He maintained Atalanta's unbeaten record, the only one in Serie A this season after nine matches. That goal also boosted the confidence of the Atalanta players after conceding in the fourth minute following a goal by Samuele Ricci.

"When that happened, you think everything is wrong, but the spectacular team, their mentality is evident. We played the game that we prepared for very well," said Atalanta coach Ivan Juric on the official website of the team from Bergamo.

"I am very pleased with Ademola, who has given us a great boost in training and matches. Not only because of his goals, but also afterwards, after scoring, he seems to be completely unshackled, in terms of his running, helping his teammates, and communication. I am very satisfied with him," emphasized Juric.

The Croatian coach deployed a formation with three attacking players, where Pasalic positioned himself behind Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere. Pasalic played his role brilliantly, delivering crucial passes that created goal-scoring opportunities.

In this match, there is hope that the interplay between Pasalic and Lookman could break Atalanta's deadlock in achieving victory. Currently, Atalanta remains unbeaten, but in their last five matches, they have consistently drawn, with no more than one goal scored.

"Today, for me, it is truly impressive how we contained Milan, playing sharply. What we lacked was victory, but the performance of the players gives me high confidence moving forward," said Juric.

In the match, Atalanta also had a goal opportunity from winger Davide Zappacosta. However, his right-footed shot towards the upper left corner of the Milan goal was still parried away by Maignan, who performed brilliantly that night.

"We do not have a complete squad; we have several injured players, but the team has responded well to that," said Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri.

"After scoring a goal, we were forced to defend because we made too many technical errors in passing out of our own territory. We need to improve that, we need to be more confident in what we do," Allegri continued.

In this match, Allegri also had to substitute attacking player Rafael Leao in the 46th minute due to an issue with his groin muscle.

"He has an issue with his groin, does not feel fit, and I chose to pull him out. He could not continue. We saw in the match against Roma, it should not be anything serious," Allegri emphasized.

This result places Milan in second position with 18 points, equal to AS Roma in second place, who will host Parma on Thursday (30/10/2025) early morning WIB. Meanwhile, the top of the Serie A standings is still held by Napoli with 21 points following their 1-0 victory over Lecce in the ninth match.