Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman made his season debut on Sunday as Atalanta claimed a convincing 3-0 win away at Torino in Serie A.
The Nigerian international, who recently resumed full training after weeks out, came off the bench in the 87th minute to replace Kamaldeen Sulemana.
His introduction formed part of a triple substitution that also saw Yunus Musah and Daniel Maldini enter the fray.
By then, the contest was already beyond Torino’s reach. Atalanta struck three times in a blistering eight-minute spell during the first half. Nikola Krstovic opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, Sulemana doubled the advantage four minutes later, before Krstovic struck again in the 38th minute to complete his brace.
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Torino showed more fight after the break and had a chance to reduce the deficit when Duván Zapata won a penalty in the 73rd minute. But the Colombian forward failed to convert, missing the opportunity to spark a late revival.
Atalanta, who were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in midweek Champions League action, managed the game comfortably thereafter to secure their second league win of the season and a valuable clean sheet.
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The result lifts Juric’s men to fifth in the Serie A standings with eight points, while Torino sit 11th on four points after suffering their second defeat of the campaign.
Atalanta face a tough away trip to Juventus on Saturday, while Torino will host newly promoted Pisa on Thursday as they seek a response.
