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Ademola Lookman hits back at ‘deeply disrespectful’ Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini after ‘worst penalty taker’ jibe
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has fired back at his manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, after receiving public criticism for missing a crucial penalty during the club’s UEFA Champions League exit against Club Brugge.
The Italian side suffered a 3-1 home defeat at the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday night, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate loss.
Lookman, one of Atalanta’s key players since joining in 2022, found himself at the center of controversy after Gasperini openly questioned his decision to take the penalty kick.
The Nigerian forward had earlier scored Atalanta’s only goal in the match but saw his penalty attempt saved by Simon Mignolet.
Gasperini, speaking after the match, expressed frustration over Lookman’s penalty technique and claimed the forward was not among the designated spot-kick takers.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty,” Gasperini stated. “He is one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record. Even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring, Lookman decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”
The 27-year-old Super Eagles forward, who played a crucial role in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph last season, responded strongly to his manager’s remarks.
Taking to Instagram, Lookman expressed his disappointment over being singled out, describing the criticism as “deeply disrespectful.”
“It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city,” Lookman wrote. “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.”
The Nigerian international further revealed that the designated penalty taker had given him permission to take the spot-kick, emphasizing his intention was to help the team.
“Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. During the match, the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team, I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do.”
Lookman’s response has sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with some supporting his decision to step up in a crucial moment, while others believe Gasperini’s frustration stemmed from the importance of the match.
As Atalanta now shifts focus to domestic competitions, the tension between player and manager remains a significant talking point in Italian football.
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 19, 2025