Gasperini mends relationship with Lookman, confirms future captaincy role

• Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Ademola Lookman for his brilliant display in their 4-0 win over Juventus
• Gasperini has confirmed that Lookman will wear the captain’s armband before the season ends despite their recent fallout
• Atalanta currently sits third in Serie A, three points behind leaders Inter Milan and one behind second-placed Napoli

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman following his exceptional performance in La Dea’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Juventus at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, March 9. 

Lookman, who has been a key player for Atalanta this season, sealed the win with a powerful strike in the 77th minute, taking advantage of a misplaced pass from Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic.

The Nigerian international has now scored 13 goals this season, proving his importance to Atalanta’s Serie A title charge. 

Gasperini’s men currently sit third in the league standings, just three points behind leaders Inter Milan and two points adrift of Napoli, keeping their Scudetto hopes alive.

Despite Lookman’s impressive form, his relationship with Gasperini recently hit a rough patch following a Champions League exit against Club Brugge. The tension stemmed from a missed penalty that led to a reported fallout between the player and the coach. 

However, the Atalanta boss has now downplayed any lingering issues, insisting that their bond remains strong.

Speaking after the victory over Juventus, Gasperini admitted that clashes between him and Lookman were not uncommon but emphasised that their disagreements were always resolved. He acknowledged Lookman’s brilliance and further stressed that his transformation into a team player had made him an invaluable asset to Atalanta,

“He and I have clashes and then we make up because he is an extraordinary player who sometimes has a bit of individualism, people can have different visions, and that’s an example. He has become a fantastic player when he has started thinking about the team,” Gasperini stated.

In a surprising revelation, Gasperini confirmed that Lookman would be given the captain’s armband before the end of the season. 

The coach explained the significance of this gesture, stating that past captains were not necessarily better players but had demonstrated strong ties to Atalanta and Bergamo.

With Atalanta pushing for a likely Serie A triumph, Gasperini hinted at a potential retirement if his side lifts the title, 

“I might even retire if we take home the title. What more could I accomplish?” he said.

Lookman’s strike not enough as Real Madrid edges Atalanta, Ancelotti praises team

Previously, TheRadar reported that Spanish giants Real Madrid reignited their UEFA Champions League campaign hopes with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta, overcoming an early injury to star forward Kylian Mbappé.

Lookman’s creativity nearly earned Atalanta a dramatic equaliser in injury time, but substitute Mateo Retegui squandered the golden opportunity, blasting over from six yards out.