Atalanta’s hopes of securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League suffered a setback as their top goalscorer, Ademola Lookman, has been ruled out of the upcoming Serie A match against Fiorentina due to a small physical problem, according to manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game at Artemio Franchi, Firenze, Gasperini confirmed the news, expressing his disappointment at Lookman’s absence.

“There is no news compared to yesterday, let’s see with Pasalic if he will recover, Koopmeiners is better, he trained better. Lookman stopped by, it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but he won’t be there on Monday,” said Gasperini, highlighting that Lookman’s injury is not severe but will still prevent him from playing in the crucial match.

Lookman, who joined Atalanta from Leipzig during the summer transfer window, has been in sensational form, leading the team’s attack with 13 goals and five assists in 28 games in Serie A this season. His absence against Fiorentina will be a significant blow to Atalanta’s chances, as they currently occupy sixth position in the league, with just five points separating them from third-place Roma, who have 53 points.

Gasperini, however, remains hopeful that Lookman’s injury is minor and that he will recover soon to rejoin the team in their quest for a top-four finish. Atalanta will have to rely on other players to step up in Lookman’s absence and secure a crucial victory against Fiorentina to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

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