Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has issued a scathing critique of Ademola Lookman following the Nigerian forward’s crucial missed penalty in their 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League knockout round play-offs.
Lookman had earlier opened the scoring for Atalanta, giving his side a glimmer of hope. However, when he stepped up for a penalty that could have reignited their campaign, he failed to convert, leaving Atalanta on the brink and ultimately crashing out of the competition.
Gasperini did not mince words in his post-match assessment. “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the Atalanta boss said bluntly. He added that the penalty was taken despite other designated takers being available.
“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,” Gasperini explained.
The missed spot-kick proved costly, extinguishing Atalanta’s Champions League ambitions and leaving Gasperini visibly frustrated as his side bowed out of Europe’s elite competition.
