'In the best form' - Atalanta coach hopes Lookman scores as Real Madrid chase seven titles in single season 

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini is hoping Ademola Lookman finds the net in Wednesday evening's UEFA Super Cup clash against Real Madrid at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland.

Lookman was the star of the Atalanta team that thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final back in May to end the German Bundesliga side's unbeaten run. 

By bagging a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, the Nigeria international became the sixth player to score a hat-trick in the final of a major European competition but the first to do so in 49 years.

And he has picked up where he left off last season with impressive displays in Atalanta's first two pre-season fixtures, registering a goal and forcing an own goal against Parma and AZ Alkmaar respectively.

Today's clash is an important game for Real Madrid as they are targeting being the first club to win seven titles in a single season, namely UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa, Fifa Club World Cup and Fifa International Cup.

Gasperini expects Lookman to replicate his impressive performance from the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference, Gasperini told reporters: "I think he's doing very well. He was one of the first to come back from his holidays.

"There are players who started a little earlier and others later. Ademola is one of the players who is in the best form.

"No Italian team has played this game in 14 years, which was Inter. In our league there are not many players who have participated in the European Super Cup.

"It's a very important moment for us. Ademola not only scored in the Europa League final, but we hope he will do so tomorrow."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com