'Just the Beginning' - Atalanta Hat-Trick Hero Lookman Aims for More Glory Nights

London-born Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman etched himself into Atalanta folklore with a hat-trick in the Europa League final, becoming only the sixth player to achieve such a feat in a European final—the first since Jupp Heynckes for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 1975 UEFA Cup. Lookman’s three goals propelled Atalanta to victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin, a team led by Xabi Alonso that hadn't lost a single game in 361 days.

At 26, Lookman had never managed double figures in a season for Charlton, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, or Leicester. However, with this treble, the former England Under-21 winger, who now represents Nigeria internationally, has scored 15 goals in each of his two seasons with Atalanta.

Atalanta's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, acknowledged the unexpected progress Lookman has made: "We had a senior manager at Atalanta [Lee Congerton] who had worked at Leicester and saw the opportunity to bring him in, thinking he could be useful. Nobody could have imagined he'd make this much progress. He wasn’t overly prolific in England. I changed his position to a more attacking role. Tonight he achieved something that will remain in football history—a stunning hat-trick."

When asked if he could have imagined this growing up in Wandsworth and starting out at Charlton's academy, Lookman responded confidently, "Probably, yeah. I've always had confidence in my ability. In the past two years, I've taken my game to a new level and shown it on a more consistent basis. Maybe it could have come earlier, but it's come now. I'm pleased with the progress I've made, but this is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this."

'One of the best nights of my life'

Atalanta players celebrate after winning the Europa League.

Immediately after the final whistle, Ademola Lookman told TNT Sports, "It's one of the best nights of my life." Perhaps understated.

A Dublin party was "100%" planned, he added. "We've got to celebrate, we made history tonight."

Lookman joined Gian Piero Gasperini's post-match news conference midway through, and after the manager had left, he spoke about the role Gasperini has had in his career.

"The past few years, the club and coach have supported me in terms of giving me minutes… it's helped me elevate my game to a new level," Lookman said. "The first few conversations we had made me look at football a bit differently. It made it simpler in my mind in terms of what he expected from me. It made me look at, and play, my game in a different light. I'm very grateful to him."

Lookman laughed when an Italian journalist claimed a street might be named after him in Bergamo one day.

The forward is one of about 120,000 people who live in the northern Italian city close to Milan.

"I feel the support from the fans from the first minute I was in Bergamo," he added. "The city of Bergamo gives me a sense of calmness. It's a very calm, relaxed city and that has helped me a lot with my living style. I'm focused on the important things."

Lookman's mentor and coach of his former youth side Waterloo, Felix Emanus, also spoke to TNT Sports after the game.

"I really can't tell you my emotions—sky high," he said. "We've been dreaming about this for a long time, since Ade was a kid at Waterloo. Tonight was a dream come true. I cried when the third goal went in. I'm so happy for Ade. He works so hard, quiet lad. Sometimes misunderstood because of his quietness, but he's a great kid. Wants to learn, wants to always get better, and wants to reach the top."

Atalanta end trophy drought

At 66 years and 117 days old, Gian Piero Gasperini is the oldest coach to win the Europa League.

While this may be remembered as the Lookman final, Atalanta’s success is equally remarkable.

In their 116-year history, this was only their second major trophy—following the 1963 Coppa Italia.

Just last week, they lost the Coppa Italia final to Juventus. What a way to bounce back.

Gian Piero Gasperini's men also became the first Italian team to win this tournament since 1999.

"I am hugely proud for all of Italy because it was a cursed trophy," said the 66-year-old, who took charge of the club in 2016. "Having won it with Atalanta is perhaps one of those footballing fairytales that rarely crop up. It gives hope for meritocracy. It doesn't come down to Super Leagues. You can show faith in other teams without big bills and budgets.

"Let's try to savour this win before thinking about how far we can go next season. This team has grown with results. We've done so while making sure we balance the books or turn a profit and that's the most exceptional element of this club.

"Typically, the clubs who are winning things struggle to keep costs down. Atalanta have managed to win things while being a financially sustainable club. That's extraordinary."

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