Gian Piero Gasperini Clarifies Intent Regarding Ademola Lookman Amidst Atalanta Penalty Controversy

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini clarified on Saturday that he did not wish to offend Ademola Lookman (27) when he described the striker as “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever witnessed, following their home Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.

The Belgian club shocked Atalanta with a 3-1 victory in the second leg of their playoff match, eliminating the Italian side with a 5-2 aggregate score and advancing to the last 16.

Lookman, who was instrumental for Atalanta last season during their Europa League triumph, managed to score a consolation goal after his team fell 3-0 behind.

However, the Nigerian forward, who has netted 15 goals this season, saw his penalty saved, leading Gasperini to remark that Lookman was not designated to take penalties with attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere and striker Mateo Retegui on the field.

In an Instagram post, Lookman expressed that Gasperini’s comments directed at him were “deeply disrespectful” and quite painful.

Addressing the media on Saturday, Gasperini downplayed the controversy, highlighting a parallel to an incident from Udinese’s 1-0 Serie A win over Lecce, where Lorenzo Lucca scored from the spot despite not being the appointed penalty taker.

“The reaction to my comments was quite extraordinary… my words were not intended to be offensive,” Gasperini stated.

“In yesterday’s Udinese-Lecce match, we almost witnessed a drama, but fortunately, the players managed to resolve it amicably. I would have preferred Lookman to take the initiative and tell De Ketelaere, ‘Let me take the penalty.’ He has the potential to become a regular penalty taker, adding to his goal-scoring ability… I always communicate openly with the entire team; it was never just about him. He felt hurt, but that was not my intention.”

Atalanta currently sit third in Serie A with 51 points from 25 matches and will face relegation-threatened Empoli on Sunday.

“Empoli have faced a challenging run recently, but they’ve shown solid performances in the matches I’ve watched,” Gasperini noted.

“They are a well-organised team, showcasing fine quality in their play, led by an excellent coach, and they are fighting for survival. I recall the first match; I anticipate a balanced and tough encounter. Our primary aim is clear: we must give it our all.”