Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino has lavished praise on Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman after scoring in his second consecutive game for the club this season.

The forward was on target as La Dea beat Fiorentina 2-0 in Serie A on Sunday, November 30.

Prior to this game, Lookman had found the back of the net in Atalanta's 3-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League.

The 28-year-old has now registered three goals in 13 appearances in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.

Lookman has endured a difficult start to the new campaign after falling out with the club in the summer due to a transfer disagreement.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Palladino described the Nigerian international as an essential asset to the team.

"With Lookman, I did exactly what I did with the rest of the team: I spoke individually. A few words were enough, because he’s an intelligent guy who understands immediately," he said as quoted by TuttoAtalanta.

“I was clear, he was very clear with me: we’re going in the same direction because we both want to take Atalanta as high as possible.

“He’s having a strong offensive phase, but I emphasize his defensive commitment: he’s 100% in the game. I’m happy for his goals; he’s an essential asset.”

WDN