Atalanta's new head coach, Raffaele Palladino, has expressed his delight after his team secured a crucial 2-0 victory against struggling Fiorentina in Serie A, a win powered by goals from Odilon Kossounou and in-form Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
Palladino's Instant Impact at Atalanta
Since taking over the reins at the Bergamo-based club following the dismissal of Ivan Juric, Raffaele Palladino has swiftly turned the team's fortunes around. After an initial loss to Napoli, Palladino has masterminded two consecutive impressive wins: a 3-0 triumph against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League and this latest 2-0 Serie A victory over Fiorentina.
The Italian manager was quick to deflect praise onto his players, insisting he has performed no miracles. "The credit is down to the lads, I simply brought my ideas and tactical principles," Palladino stated. "When there is a change of coach, inevitably, the mood in the group isn't the best, so I tried to create a dialogue, even friendship, and showed every player they had responsibility."
Lookman's Resurgent Form
A key beneficiary of the new managerial regime appears to be Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year, who was seeking a move away from the club during the summer, has found his scoring boots again, netting in both of Palladino's victories.
This recent burst of form marks a significant turnaround for Lookman, who had a reported clash with former manager Juric. According to Transfermarkt, the goal against Fiorentina was his third of the season and his second in the league, having previously scored against AC Milan.
Lookman's return to form is timely news for the Nigerian national team as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His confidence and goal-scoring prowess will be vital for the Super Eagles' campaign, though it means Atalanta will be without his services for up to a month during the tournament.
A New Identity for La Dea
Palladino emphasized that his success is built on harnessing the existing spirit within the squad rather than imposing a completely new system. He praised the courage and DNA of his players, which he is eager to nurture.
"I don't have a magic wand; I just tried to give an identity to this team. The lads all feel fully involved, and I like that spirit. This is the mentality and the DNA of Atalanta that I want to see," the manager explained. "We took risks today, but I appreciated the courage of the squad."
With Palladino at the helm and key players like Lookman hitting form, Atalanta looks rejuvenated and ready to climb the Serie A table, putting their early-season struggles firmly in the past.
