Jonathan Rowe the extra man for Sarri's attacking trident

BERGAMO – Jonathan Rowe is ready to become the new Ademola Lookman, having scored 41 goals in 105 appearances in Bergamo, including the hat-trick that decided the Europa League final in Dublin in May 2024. It was Rowe himself, in his presentation press conference alongside sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who revealed that the Anglo-Nigerian striker, during the holidays, strongly advised him to choose Atalanta to make the leap in quality, even before any negotiations had even begun. A sign of fate. But Rowe, flattered to have Maurizio Sarri as coach and convinced he is suited to his system, is keen to point out that he possesses different qualities from Lookman and wants to put them to good use for the team. Meanwhile, by arriving in Bergamo, he became the most expensive signing in Atalanta's history (€40 million for his transfer from Bologna). And it was sporting director Giuntoli who thanked Antonio, Luca Percassi, and Stephen Pagliuca for their financial support, which allowed Sarri to provide him with an international-level player with experience in the Premier League, Ligue 1, the Champions League, and our Serie A. A right-footed attacking winger who plays primarily on the left, Rowe has the potential to make a difference. Rowe's primary goal, he openly states, is to score more goals than he did in Bologna and provide assists, but he doesn't hide his dream of wearing the England national team jersey. He enjoys the respect of his former manager Gerry Graham, and glosses over (and naturally and logically) the comments from Bologna regarding his attitude, feeling calm and happy to have settled in quickly in Zingonia. Rowe is savoring his debut in front of the Bergamo crowd. Whether he'll be in the starting lineup or a substitute, he'll defer to Sarri's decisions. "You have to respect the coach's decisions and always be ready," he says, parting with his first words in Italian: "I think I've arrived in the best environment to continue my growth. I'll give everything for this jersey. See you at the stadium.".