Atalanta is working to defuse tensions between manager Gian Piero Gasperini and star forward Ademola Lookman following their UEFA Champions League elimination at the hands of Club Brugge.
Lookman, Africa’s reigning Player of the Year, was Atalanta’s lone goalscorer in their 3-1 home defeat, which sealed a 5-2 aggregate loss in the round of 16 playoffs. However, rather than focusing on the team’s shortcomings, the aftermath of the match has been overshadowed by a heated exchange between Lookman and his coach.
The tension erupted when Gasperini publicly blamed Lookman for the team’s exit, particularly criticizing his missed penalty in the second half.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini remarked.
“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare being available… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”
These comments drew widespread backlash, especially considering Lookman’s importance to the squad and the fact that he had only just returned from injury.
The Nigerian international had started the game on the bench but made an immediate impact after coming on at halftime, scoring within a minute. However, his missed penalty became the focal point of Gasperini’s frustration, overshadowing his overall performance.
Lookman, typically reserved, broke his silence in a rare social media statement, expressing his disappointment at being singled out.
“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.”
“Being singled out in this manner not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, especially given the immense hard work and commitment I put in every day to help bring success to this club and our incredible fans.”
Crucially, he clarified that he had not taken the penalty on his own initiative, stating:
“During the match, the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team, I took responsibility in the moment. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do.”
The escalating rift has prompted Atalanta’s senior management to intervene. Reports from RadioDea via AtalantaNews indicate that club executives will visit the team’s training ground in Zingonia on Thursday to mediate between Gasperini and Lookman, aiming to restore harmony.
Given that both the coach and the forward are key figures in Atalanta’s Serie A title chase, the club is keen to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Despite efforts to smooth things over, speculation is mounting that Lookman could leave Atalanta at the end of the season. Previously linked with PSG and Liverpool, the Nigerian forward was close to an exit last summer, and this latest controversy may accelerate his departure.
For now, Atalanta remains five points behind league leaders Napoli, with their immediate focus on stabilizing the squad as they push for domestic success.
Lookman, Atalanta’s Player of the Season for the past two years, has been in stellar form, registering 15 goals and seven assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this term.
