Atalanta BC winger Ademola Lookman has hit back at manager Gian Piero Gasperini after criticism over his penalty miss in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Serie A giants went into the second leg of their playoff knockout tie with Club Brugge needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit.
Instead, they remarkably found themselves 3-0 down by half time on the night at the Gewiss Stadium before Lookman netted immediately after the break.
However, the Nigeria international - who had been introduced at the interval - squandered a glorious chance to keep Atalanta in the tie by missing from the penalty spot.
Gasperini was left exasperated by the missed opportunity with Lookman not one of the designated two penalty takers.
What have Gasperini, Lookman said?
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini says Ademola Lookman is the 'worst penalty taker he's ever seen.' 😳 pic.twitter.com/1p2NZnMdIV
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) February 19, 2025
With Gasperini claiming that Lookman is "one of the worst penalty takers that he has ever seen", his comments had the potential to create tension behind the scenes.
Rather than take his criticism on the chin, Lookman has decided to take to social media to condemn the words of his manager, revealing his anger at being "singled out" by his boss
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 19, 2025
Did Gasperini have a point?
Heading into the game, Lookman had only missed one of his five penalties during his professional career, that coming in a Premier League fixture for Fulham against West Ham United in November 2020.
He had scored each of his four penalties for Atalanta before seeing his effort saved by Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Gasperini's gripe appears to stem from Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere being on the pitch and not taking responsibility as had been decided prior to the match.
At a time when Lookman has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, speculation regarding Atalanta's most prized asset is likely to continue.
Darren Plant
