Italian football expert Marcelo Altamura has cautioned Napoli against signing Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, revealing a one-in -hundred reason which hinges on concerns over the player’s tactical discipline and team integration.
Despite Lookman’s impressive 2024-25 season with Atalanta, where he scored 15 goals and provided 5 assists in 31 Serie A appearances, Altamura believes the player doesn’t follow instructions well. “I would probably choose the Zaccagni–Ndoye pairing, and I’ll tell you why. They are both strong and reliable players,” Altamura said.
Altamura recommends that Napoli focus on signing Mattia Zaccagni and Dan Ndoye instead.
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He praises Ndoye for being explosive, technical, and disciplined, qualities that he believes are essential for a team like Napoli that thrives on structure and instruction.
Lookman has been linked with Napoli following his stellar season with Atalanta, and the club is reportedly looking to fill the left forward position after the departure of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
However, Altamura’s warning may give Napoli’s management pause, highlighting the importance of considering a player’s overall contribution to the team beyond just their individual skills. “He doesn’t follow instructions,” Altamura said, pointing to a potential issue with Lookman’s playing style. This concern could impact team dynamics and overall performance, making it crucial for Napoli to weigh their options carefully.
Ademola Lookman
The expert’s comments come as Napoli looks to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season.
Altamura’s concerns suggest that Napoli might be better off with a player who can seamlessly integrate into the team’s structure. Lookman’s impressive stats with Atalanta make him an attractive prospect, but Napoli’s needs and team dynamics must be prioritized.
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The debate surrounding Lookman’s potential signing has sparked a heated discussion on social media, with the hashtag #NLOPlayoffProtest trending across Nigerian football circles. While some fans and analysts support Lookman’s potential move to Napoli, others share Altamura’s concerns about his playing style.
