Ademola Lookman expressed confidence in Atalanta’s ability to challenge for their first-ever Serie A title after his late winner secured a 2-1 victory over AC Milan on Friday, taking his team to the top of the league.
Lookman, who has been in sensational form, headed home his 10th goal of the season in the 87th minute at the Gewiss Stadium. The goal, assisted by Sead Kolasinac, equaled a club record of nine consecutive league wins, leaving Atalanta two points clear of Napoli. The jubilant home crowd echoed the team’s growing belief by chanting, "We’re gonna win the league."
"We take it match by match, but we believe in ourselves," Lookman told Sky Sports when asked about Atalanta’s title aspirations.
The victory had earlier seen Charles De Ketelaere put Atalanta ahead with a powerful header in the 12th minute, only for Alvaro Morata to equalize for Milan in the 22nd minute. However, Milan coach Paulo Fonseca was critical of the officiating, arguing that De Ketelaere fouled Theo Hernandez during Atalanta’s opening goal.
"Their first goal was a clear foul," said Fonseca, accusing the referee, Federico La Penna, of consistently working against Milan. Fonseca’s team now sits seventh, 12 points adrift of Atalanta.
Atalanta will now shift focus to Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, a chance to avenge their Super Cup loss and solidify their position in the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition. Their remarkable form has many believing they could clinch the Scudetto come May.
Inter Keep the Pressure On
Defending champions Inter Milan maintained their own title hopes with a 3-1 win over Parma, thanks to strikes from Federico Dimarco, Nicolo Barella, and Marcus Thuram. Despite Matteo Darmian’s late own goal for Parma, Simone Inzaghi’s side remains unbeaten in 14 games across all competitions and trails Atalanta by four points with a game in hand.
Thuram, scoring his 10th league goal of the season, delivered a memorable performance in the city where his father, Lilian Thuram, played and achieved UEFA Cup glory in 1999. However, Lautaro Martinez endured a frustrating evening, squandering multiple chances, including a one-on-one opportunity against Parma's Zion Suzuki.
Inter now prepare for a critical Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, where a win would almost guarantee a spot in the last 16 with two matches to spare. "The only disappointment today was conceding," said Inzaghi, praising his team’s overall performance.
Parma sits 12th in Serie A, continuing to provide competitive displays despite falling to the reigning champions.
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