Olympique de Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi has warned his players against underestimating Atalanta and their Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter at the Stade Vélodrome.

The Italian tactician stressed that despite Atalanta’s inconsistent start to the season, they remain a dangerous side with the quality to punish any opponent, and Lookman is central to that threat.

De Zerbi wary of Lookman’s quality

Lookman, 28, has struggled to find form this season, scoring just once in eight appearances across all competitions. Yet De Zerbi was quick to dismiss any talk of decline, describing the Super Eagles star as a key player capable of turning a match on its head.

“They’ve signed important players like Lookman from Paris. I don’t see Atalanta as being in crisis,” De Zerbi said via Marseille’s official website.

Atalanta, currently 11th in Serie A, have faced questions over their form under Ivan Juric. However, De Zerbi insisted that their performances have been better than their results suggest.

Atalanta ‘not in crisis’, insists Marseille boss

“They have fewer points than in previous years. They’re not in crisis, they played a great game against Milan and deserved more than a draw,” De Zerbi added. “It’s always difficult against Atalanta.”

Lookman and his teammates will be aiming to respond after their first league defeat of the season to Udinese, with the Nigerian forward expected to play a crucial role in Atalanta’s push for a much-needed Champions League result in France.