Former Lazio midfielder Dario Marcolin has revealed that Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman would be a better summer acquisition for current Italian Serie A champions Napoli, rather than AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
The 53-year-old who previously coached Catania and is now a pundit for DAZN, told Radio Marte during Marte Sport Live about his preference for Atalanta ace Lookman, as Napoli plans a busy summer of transfer activity ahead of their title defence in the 2025/2026 campaign.
“Between Leão and Lookman along with De Bruyne and Conte’s continued presence, I think both are realistic targets for Napoli. But if I had to choose between the two wingers, I’d go for Lookman,“ Marcolin said.
He added, “Leão is undoubtedly talented, and under Conte he could achieve more consistency. However, Lookman offers greater versatility. He can play in multiple roles, he’s decisive, he provides that change of pace, excels in one-on-ones, has speed, and contributes more goals.”
27-year-old Lookman enjoyed yet another scintillating 2024/2025 campaign for Atalanta, where he reached double figures in goal contributions. The former Everton and RB Leipzig attacker featured in 31 league games for La Dea, scoring 15 goals and providing an extra five assists as the Bergamo based outfit finished third on the Serie A table behind champions Napoli and runners-up Inter Milan.
In all competitions, he found the back of the net 20 times, including five in the UEFA Champions League and he recorded seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Lookman’s outstanding displays has seen him being courted by Europe’s top sides, who are jostling for his signature and the Nigerian could be the next to exit the Gewiss stadium, after head coach Gian Piero Gasperini left to join AS Roma as their new manager.
After complimenting Lookman, Marcolin also shared his opinion about De Bruyne’s impending move to Napoli, “De Bruyne can play every midfield role, and also act as a link just behind Lukaku. Right now, I see him operating closer to the Belgian striker, whom he knows well and plays alongside for the national team. In that role, he’d support the midfield and connect play with the forwards.”