Genoa head coach Daniele De Rossi has warned that Atalanta will feel the absence of Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman when the two sides meet in Serie A this weekend, describing him as a decisive player capable of turning matches.

Genoa host Atalanta on Sunday for their Matchday 16 fixture, with the visitors missing Lookman due to his international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria.

De Rossi praised the 28-year-old, saying every coach would want a player of his quality available, regardless of form.

“I confess that if I were coaching Lookman, I’d always want him on the pitch because in Serie A he can make the difference and shift the balance,” De Rossi told FCInter19008. “We’ve also seen how dangerous the other players on the bench are, but having him or not certainly changes things.”

Atalanta currently sit 12th on 19 points, below expectations, while Genoa are 16th with 14 points, hovering just above the relegation zone.

Although Lookman has yet to hit peak form this season, his influence on the left flank remains evident. He has scored twice in 11 league appearances and continues to be a regular starter under head coach Raffaele Palladino.

Since joining from RB Leipzig three years ago, Lookman has contributed 55 goals and 26 assists in 134 appearances, highlighting his long-term impact for Atalanta.

Attention now shifts to the international stage, where Lookman is expected to start as Nigeria face Tanzania in their Group C opener on Tuesday. He was also a key figure in the Super Eagles squad that reached the 2023 AFCON final in Ivory Coast.