Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini launched a scathing attack on his own player, Ademola Lookman, after a penalty miss in their defeat.
Over two legs, Atalanta lost 5-2, and the second-leg scoreline was equally clear. However, after the match, all of Gasperini’s frustration seemed to be directed at Lookman. While the forward scored a goal in the second leg, he failed to convert from the penalty spot. After the match, the coach didn’t hold back in criticizing the Nigerian star, Africa’s Footballer of the Year.
Penalty misses are a common occurrence in football, even among the world’s best players in crucial matches. Usually, coaches protect their players in such moments, offering support and shielding them from criticism. But Gasperini’s response was anything but typical.
In this Champions League playoff tie, Atalanta were shocked by Club Brugge. After winning 2-1 in the first leg, the Belgian side triumphed 3-1 at Atalanta’s home ground on Tuesday.
In the first half, Club Brugge raced to a 3-0 lead. After recovering from an injury, Lookman was brought on in the second half and scored within 35 seconds to give Atalanta hope. However, just 14 minutes later, his penalty was saved by the opposition goalkeeper.
Atalanta couldn’t recover in the match, and during the post-match press conference, Gasperini took aim at Lookman. The coach believed the penalty should have been taken by Charles De Ketelaere or Matteo Retegui.
“Lookman shouldn’t have taken that penalty. He’s one of the worst penalty takers I’ve seen,” said Gasperini.
“To be honest, even in training, his record is dreadful. He rarely scores penalties. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman, after scoring a goal, got caught up in the excitement and decided to take the penalty. I can’t accept this kind of behavior.”
Atalanta’s captain, Rafael Toloi, also came under scrutiny after receiving a red card for a forceful push on Club Brugge’s Maxim De Cuyper during a throw-in incident late in the match.
“That was a disgraceful incident. We should never lose our temper,” Gasperini said.
“After great performances against teams like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Barcelona, Atalanta deserved to exit the Champions League with their heads held high.”
