Struggling Cremonese earned a hard-fought point from high-flying Atalanta today, with three Nigerian stars in action for both sides.
While hosts Atalanta had Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman in their starting line-up, Serie A newcomers Cremonese fielded David Okereke and Cyriel Dessers as their twin strikers.
After a goalless first half in which Cremonese battled bravely against their more accomplished hosts, Atalanta finally broke the deadlock 29 minutes into the second half through Merih Demiral.
The goal had temporarily taken Atalanta to the top of the Serie A standings, two points ahead of Victor Osimhen’s Napoli, but Cremonese were not behind for long.
The promoted side hit back almost immediately, with Emanuele Valeri equalising four minutes later.
Tried as they did, Atalanta could not find the winning goal, and Cremonese held on for only their second point of the campaign.
Lookman played for 77 minutes, while Dessers had 83 minutes and Okereke 68 minutes.
Former Everton and Leicester City forward Lookman has played a part in all of Atalanta’s six Serie A games since joining them from RB Leipzig, scoring one goal and assisting two.
Okereke has also made six Serie A appearances and scored twice, while Dessers has one assist from six games.
Cremonese are second from bottom in Serie A with two points, and Atalanta are second from the top with 14 points, behind Napoli on goal difference.
