Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has hit back at his coach Gian Piero Gasperini, describing the Italian manager’s comments about his penalty-taking ability as “deeply disrespectful.” The Nigeria international spoke out after Gasperini publicly criticized him for missing a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s Champions League exit against Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Ademola Lookman, who scored just 34 seconds after coming on as a substitute, was not originally designated to take the penalty. However, after missing the spot-kick, Gasperini lashed out, stating, “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty; he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.” He added that Lookman’s conversion rate in training was poor and that team-mates Mateo Retegui or Charles De Ketelaere should have taken the shot instead.
Reacting on social media, Ademola Lookman expressed his disappointment, saying, “Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo.”
Ademola Lookman Defends His Decision to Take the Penalty
Ademola Lookman clarified that he did not take the penalty out of selfishness but was instructed by the designated penalty taker to do so. Despite the miss, he felt Gasperini’s public criticism was unwarranted and unfair, particularly given his contributions to the club.
“In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here—the majority of which I have never spoken about because, in my opinion, the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful,” Lookman added.
Before Tuesday’s match, Lookman had a flawless penalty record for Atalanta, successfully converting all four penalties he had previously taken for the club. His overall record now stands at four successful penalties out of six in his professional career.
Fans and Analysts React to the Controversy
Gasperini’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts. While some argue that Lookman’s penalty miss was costly, others believe the coach’s comments were excessively harsh and could damage the player’s morale.
Many Atalanta supporters took to social media to defend Ademola Lookman, pointing out his crucial performances, including his hat-trick in last year’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Some analysts also questioned Gasperini’s decision to publicly criticize a key player rather than handling the matter internally.
The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Nigeria’s men’s national team also showed solidarity with the forward, posting: “We are with you Ade.” This public support highlights Lookman’s growing reputation beyond club football, particularly after his outstanding performances for Nigeria in recent international competitions.
Atalanta’s Champions League Exit: A Missed Opportunity
Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Club Brugge sealed their exit from the Champions League, with an aggregate score of 5-2. Despite Ademola Lookman’s goal, the Serie A side failed to recover from their first-leg deficit, with Club Brugge taking full advantage of their defensive lapses.
Lookman’s missed penalty in the second half could have been a turning point, but Atalanta’s overall performance suggested deeper tactical and defensive issues. Some critics argue that Gasperini’s frustration should have been directed at the team’s overall shortcomings rather than singling out one player.
With Atalanta now out of Europe’s elite competition, the focus shifts to their domestic campaign, where Lookman remains a key figure in their pursuit of a strong Serie A finish.
What Next for Lookman and Atalanta?
Despite this controversy, Lookman remains one of Atalanta’s most important attacking players. With 15 goals in all competitions this season, he continues to prove his value to the squad. However, the rift with Gasperini raises questions about his long-term future at the club.
It remains to be seen whether the Italian coach will address the situation privately or if this incident will have lasting consequences for Lookman’s role in the team. As the season progresses, Atalanta will need to ensure that internal conflicts do not affect their on-field performances, especially with key matches ahead in Serie A.
For now, Lookman appears determined to move past the criticism and continue delivering for Atalanta and their passionate supporters.
