Atalanta’s new head coach, Raffaele Palladino, has praised Ademola Lookman and the rest of the squad for executing his half-time instructions perfectly during their commanding 3–0 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Palladino enjoyed a dream debut on Europe’s biggest stage on Wednesday night, as Lookman inspired a ruthless second-half display that lifted La Dea to a crucial away win in Frankfurt.
The 28-year-old Nigerian forward had threatened throughout the first half — including rattling the post from close range — before finally finding the breakthrough on the hour mark with a sharp volley. Moments later, he turned provider as Atalanta doubled their lead, before adding a third in a blistering five-minute spell that stunned the home crowd.
The performance capped a strong response from the Serie A side, who have struggled this season and recently parted ways with former coach Ivan Juric.
Speaking to UEFA after the match, Palladino revealed what changed during the interval.
“At the end of the first half, I spoke to the lads and gave them some tips, especially to the forwards on where they could position themselves to try and hurt the opposition, and that’s exactly what happened,” he said.
“So, I’d like to thank the team because they always make themselves available and follow all the instructions they’re given.”
The new boss added that the team fully deserved the victory, describing it as an important step in their progression.
“I am very happy with the performance. This is a team victory. They deserved this satisfaction; we needed this spark,” he said.
“I am satisfied with how we played and how we approached the match, both those who played in the first half and those who came on as substitutes. We needed a victory for our growth.”
Palladino will now hope his rejuvenated side — led by an in-form Lookman — can carry this momentum into their Serie A clash with Fiorentina at the weekend.
