Atalanta’s Lookman Issues Threat to Liverpool Ahead of Europa League Clash

• Ademola Lookman has said Atalanta will make things difficult for Liverpool
• Both teams will meet in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night
• Atalanta are now unbeaten in their last eight matches in the Europa League

Ademola Lookman has issued a subtle warning to Liverpool ahead of Atalanta’s Europa League quarter-final clash against the Reds on Thursday, April 11.

The Reds will host the Italian giants at Anfield in the first leg as they push to win their 14th major European honour, but they will have to get past Gian Piero Gasperini’s side first.

According to Complete Sports, Lookman, who scored in the Round of 16 for Atalanta, disclosed that his side will be no pushovers for Liverpool and is confident of a good outing against Jurgen Klopp’s team.

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“The spectacle speaks for itself, but for us, there is an opportunity for us to go and show what we are about. We’ve earned the right to be here, so let’s go there and play our football.”

Lookman has played against Liverpool five times in the past, registering one goal and one assist, and he will hope to use that experience when both teams meet in the Europa League.

Liverpool are favourites vs Atalanta

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been given a massive 64.1% chance of beating Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and progressing to the next round, Opta Analyst reports.

Atalanta has a poor record against English opposition which counts against them heading into their encounter against the Reds as their last Europa League match against an English team was a 5-1 rout of Everton at Goodison Park in 2017.

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However, Liverpool would be wise not to underestimate Atalanta, who are playing in their sixth major European quarter-final and third in the previous five seasons.

Gasperini delighted with Lookman’s improvement

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Atalanta coach, Gasperini, is pleased with Lookman's development at the Italian club since signing in the summer of 2022 from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.

The 26-year-old Nigerian winger has truly felt at home with the Serie A club, establishing himself as a key player after scoring 13 goals and assisting three times in 31 games last season.

According to Gasperini, Lookman has the potential to become Atalanta’s best player in the future, given how quickly the Super Eagles attacker has improved under his instruction.