Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed he would cast his Ballon d'Or vote for Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Lookman, the sole African nominee, etched his name in history with a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
Gasperini praised Lookman's pivotal role in Atalanta's triumph.
"My personal Ballon d'Or vote would go to Ademola Lookman," Gasperini told Sky.
"His magic skills helped us win the Europa League."
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on October 28.
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1844981327495377148
— (@fabrizioromano) December 6, 2017
?s=46
Lookman's impressive display in the Europa League final has garnered widespread recognition.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun