Italy legend Donadoni explains why Lookman outshines Portugal's star

Posted : 18 April 2025

Italian football icon Roberto Donadoni has backed Atalanta's Ademola Lookman ahead of the upcoming Serie A clash between AC Milan and Atalanta, asserting that the Nigerian forward has shown greater consistency and impact than Portugal's Rafael Leão this season. Donadoni, a seven-time Serie A champion and three-time Champions League winner with Milan, believes Lookman has been more decisive in his performances than Leão.

The two forwards are set to face off at the iconic San Siro, with Atalanta fighting to secure their spot in next season's UEFA Champions League while AC Milan seeks to climb higher into the European spots. The match is critical for both teams as they aim for their respective objectives in the final stretch of the season.

Leão, who is now in his sixth season with Milan, is the most valuable Portuguese player in the world, with a market value of €75 million, according to Transfermarkt. The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Milan’s Serie A title win in the 2021-22 season and has scored 54 Serie A goals since joining the club. Despite his pedigree, Donadoni feels Lookman has been more influential this campaign.

When discussing Lookman’s performances, Donadoni remarked, “Both strikers can decide the match, but if I had to choose, I’d bet on Lookman. He’s been more consistent so far, he’s crucial for Gasperini, and he proved that in the reverse fixture.” Donadoni emphasized that while Leão has shown flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency has hindered his overall impact this season.

Lookman has netted 13 goals and provided five assists in 26 Serie A appearances, despite battling injuries and dealing with a strained relationship with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The Nigerian’s standout moment came in the UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick to lead Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy. In contrast, Leão has scored seven goals and contributed eight assists in 30 Serie A matches this term, with Milan struggling to find form and currently sitting in ninth place.

Sunday's match is a crucial encounter for both teams. Atalanta will look to consolidate their place in the top four to secure Champions League qualification, while Milan must string together victories to stay in the hunt for a spot in next season’s UEFA Conference League. Atalanta will enter the game with confidence after a 2-0 win over Bologna, while Milan also recorded a dominant 4-0 victory over Udinese in their last outing.

In their previous meeting in December, Atalanta defeated Milan 2-1 at the Gewiss Stadium, with Lookman finding the net. Atalanta has been unbeaten in their last three league encounters with Milan, winning two and drawing one. With both clubs battling for European positions and two of Serie A’s most exciting attackers on display, the match at the San Siro promises to be an exciting and high-stakes affair.

Italy legend Donadoni explains why Lookman outshines Portugal's star

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