- Coach Gian Piero Gasperini slammed Lookman, calling him "one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen," sparking outrage among fans
- The Atalanta coach revealed that Lookman was not the designated penalty taker, criticising his decision to take the spot-kick
- Club Brugge’s victory secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16, while Atalanta’s European dreams came to an abrupt end
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini did not hold back his frustration after his side’s 3-1 home defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League knockout round play-offs, calling Ademola Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
Lookman had initially given Atalanta hope by scoring in the 46th minute, reducing the aggregate deficit to 3-1.
However, he squandered a golden opportunity to mount a comeback when he stepped up for a 61st-minute penalty, only to see his shot saved by Simon Mignolet. The missed spot-kick proved to be the turning point, as Atalanta never recovered and ultimately fell 5-2 on aggregate, ending their Champions League campaign in disappointment.
Speaking after the match, Gasperini made it clear that Lookman was never meant to take the penalty, insisting that Charles De Ketelaere or Mateo Retegui were the designated takers,
"Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty. He is one of the worst penalty-takers I have ever seen, even in training, he has a terrible record, converting very few. But after scoring, he got caught up in the moment and took the ball, which I did not appreciate at all," Gasperini said bluntly.
Netizens slam Gasperini over Lookman comments
Following coach Gasperini’s post-match comments on Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman after their 3-1 loss to Club Brugge, netizens have not held back their criticism of the Atalanta coach. TheRadar has compiled below several comments from critics in diverse footballing circles:
“Ademola lookman is the glue holding Atalanta together,” @Mbahdeyforyou commented.
“Atalanta just useless, last week dem cut my game, this week again,” @ishowdave stated.
“Make Lookman find new club. Atalanta supposed sink,” @Papashini1_ mentioned.
“I'm Not Even Surprised The same thing Happened To Osimhen…
Very Mid And unprofessional Coach
Man is Trying to Use Ademola To Secure his job,” @Divinefcb01 reacted.
“Black players are no respected in Italy that’s the truth no matter what they win,” @Magik_jay_ mentioned.
“Like I said, the coach is just a little bit creepy... Mourinho could have said the same thing btw,” @CFC_Westtlonn commented.
“That is the reason I like Ancelotti,” @Abdool__D stated.
“This is a reckless statement from the manager. I don’t understand why Italian* managers behave his way to Nigerian players,” @ThatVyktur reacted.
Super Eagles star Lookman shares his next milestone after Ballon d'Or nomination
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, one of Nigeria’s biggest football talents, had set new goals after being nominated for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or and CAF Men's Player of the Year awards.
The Atalanta BC star has declared his ambition to lead Nigeria to the AFCON 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, building on his recent successes with both his club and national teams.
