Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has shared a detailed comparison of the Italian Serie A and the German Bundesliga, highlighting the defensive rigidity of Italian football versus the open play in Germany. The 2023 African Footballer of the Year, who has played in both leagues, offered insights from an attacker's perspective.
Lookman's Experience in Two Top Leagues
Speaking to BBC Sport, Lookman described Serie A as a defensively rigid environment where goals are hard to come by, while the Bundesliga provides attackers with considerably more freedom and opportunity. "Obviously, football [in Italy] is different. In Italian football, it's hard to score goals, it's known for its defence, but in Germany, it's a bit more open, you get a lot of chances, so it's very different," the Nigerian international said.
Adapting to Italian Football
Lookman also discussed his adaptation to Serie A after moving from Germany. "It took me about a month to settle down in Italy, and it helped that I scored on my debut, and for like a run of six games on the bounce," he added. His quick start at Atalanta helped him become a key player for the club.
Statistical Comparison of Lookman's Career
According to Transfermarkt, Lookman made 105 appearances in Serie A compared to just 22 in the Bundesliga, giving him a far deeper understanding of the Italian game. Having featured in England, Germany, Spain, and Italy, Lookman is among the few African footballers to have played across four of Europe's five major leagues, with the French Ligue 1 being the only top division he has yet to feature in.
Premier League Interest Despite Recent Move
Legit.ng previously reported that Premier League clubs are interested in signing Ademola Lookman despite his recent move to Atletico Madrid in January 2026. The Spanish giants were reportedly willing to entertain offers that guarantee them a profit on the €35 million they paid to sign him from Atalanta. Lookman's ability to adapt to different leagues makes him a valuable asset for any top club.
