Julius OkorieUefa Europa defending champions, Atalanta, begin defence of their title today against visiting Arsenal at the Gewiss Stadium
in Bergamo, Italy. Atalanta who clinched the title last season courtesy of a hat-trick by Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman, will be hoping the Nigerian international remain in his usual killer mood, as the welcome Arsenal that boasts of young and very rampant players like Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Jesus to mention just a few.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelLookman, who is a nominee for this year’s Ballon d’Or, has been in super form for both club and country.
He sort to move away from Atalanta during the transfer window, but the deal failed the click to the delight of Atalanta, who believe the former Everton winger who joined them in 2022 still has a lot to offer.
Today’s encounter is the first match of the European season for both sides.
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Arsenal have scored in each of their last 11 matches in all competitions. They have hit the back of the net in every match since a Champions League meeting with Bayern München in April.
Over seven Europa League contests at Gewiss Stadium last season, Atalanta had five wins, one draw, and one loss. Arsenal, meanwhile, had one win, one draw, and three losses in their five Champions League contests away from home. The English side are looking to add to a five-match away winning streak in all competitions.
In their last six matches in all competitions, Atalanta have won two and lost four. They scored 10 and conceded 13 in that stretch, scoring first in two of the six contests.
Lookman grabbed a brace in Super Eagles AFCON Qualifier against Benin Republic just before the start of the new season. The 26 year old has scored 25 goals and still counting for Atalanta in 63 appearances.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
