Bergamo, Italy — Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has strongly criticized Ademola Lookman for missing a crucial penalty during their Champions League play-off against Club Brugge.
Trailing 3-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate, Atalanta had a chance to pull one back when Juan Cuadrado was fouled inside the box. Lookman, who came on as a substitute, stepped up but saw his central effort saved by Simon Mignolet, crushing their hopes of a comeback.
Addressing the press after the match, Gasperini expressed his frustration, singling out the Nigerian international for disregarding instructions.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty,” Gasperini stated via Football Italia. “He is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. His record is terrible, even in training. Retegui and De Ketelaere were designated for penalties, but Lookman, caught up in the moment after scoring, decided to take it. That was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”
Beyond Lookman’s penalty miss, Gasperini also condemned captain Rafael Toloi for his late red card after attempting to confront Maxim de Cuyper, requiring officials to intervene.
“That was an unacceptable reaction. No matter the circumstances, Atalanta must exit the Champions League with dignity, considering we’ve competed against top teams like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Barcelona.”
The result saw Atalanta bow out of the Champions League, with Gasperini left frustrated by missed opportunities and lapses in discipline.
By Taiwo Olatinwo |February 19, 2025.
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