Lookman and Carnesecchi: ‘Atalanta result is positive’ with Lazio | OneFootball

Ademola Lookman and Marco Carnesecchi admit Atalanta see the late equaliser against Lazio as a ‘positive’ result on which to end 2024 before preparing for the Supercoppa Italiana.

It was a tough match for La Dea, who saw Carnesecchi make several big saves in the first half, most notably a double parry on Taty Castellanos before the woodwork saved him on Matteo Guendouzi.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru sprung the offside trap on a Nicolò Rovella ball over the top to give Lazio the lead, but Marco Brescianini tapped in the generous Lookman roll across at the 88th minute to equalise.

“It was a tough match, the first half was very difficult for us, but we fought and on another day might’ve won the game. We drew today, but we didn’t lose, so it’s positive,” Lookman told Sky Sport Italia.

Not only did he win the Europa League with a hat-trick in the Final, but Lookman also won the African Player of the Year for 2024.

“The club had a fantastic 2024, so we want to continue doing the same thing and the new year will be even better.”

The first Atalanta fixture of 2025 will be the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Inter in Riyadh on January 2, hoping for a very different result to the 4-0 defeat they suffered when last facing the Nerazzurri in September.

“It is another big game, the Supercoppa is important for us. Inter are a strong team, we know that we have to fight and show our quality,” concluded Lookman.

Carnesecchi and Lookman see Atalanta progress

epa11796337 Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (R) scores the 1-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at the Olimpico stadium in Rome, Italy, 28 December 2024. EPA-EFE/GIUSEPPE LAMI

This result ends the run of 11 consecutive Atalanta victories, but it does keep them unbeaten in 13 rounds since the 3-2 loss to Como on September 24.

It also ensures they remain top of the Serie A table at the end of 2024, as even if Napoli win tomorrow against Venezia, it will only join them in first place with a worse head-to-head record.

“We have to congratulate Lazio on a great performance,” said Carnesecchi on Sky Sport Italia.

“We did well to stay in there and not give up to the end, because we know that we will always create chances to score.

“We’re glad to still be top of the table, but there’s a lot of work to be done.”

Although he was not the first choice for all of 2024, Carnesecchi has now become the main goalkeeper for Atalanta.

“You can see the results on the field, I am more balanced now, I feel good physically and that helps me too. We’re pleased, this was a fundamental point and now we can prepare for the Supercoppa.”