Gian Piero Gasperini’s criticism of Ademola Lookman’s missed penalty in Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Club Brugge has sparked various reactions after the Italian side were eliminated from the Champions League, losing the first leg 2-1 and the second leg 3-1, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate scoreline.
During the post-match press conference, Gasperini expressed his disappointment with Lookman, stating that the Nigerian winger was not the designated penalty taker. Gasperini believed that better penalty takers like Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui should have taken the penalty instead.
The penalty incident occurred on the hour mark when Juan Cuadrado was fouled by Christos Tzolis inside the box, as confirmed by a VAR check. Lookman took the penalty, but his effort was saved by Simon Mignolet, who parried the ball behind for a corner.
Despite the missed penalty, Lookman had earlier scored a goal seconds after coming on, inspiring hopes of a comeback for Atalanta supporters. The Nigerian International netted the goal after a precise low cross from Davide Zappacosta found him inside the box, and he clinically diverted the ball into the back of the net.
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Atalanta’s elimination from the Champions League was sealed with the 5-2 aggregate scoreline, with the team losing both home and away to Club Brugge in frustrating fashion.
The controversy surrounding Gasperini’s comments has sparked a heated debate among fans, with some defending the manager’s right to criticize his players, while others argue that his words were unjustified and damaging to team morale.
Some have reacted strongly to Gasperini’s comments, suggesting that the public criticism of Lookman was unfair and unprofessional, especially given Lookman’s impressive performance in the game.
One fan, @tobyasky criticized Gasperini’s reaction saying, “If he actually said this, it’s very disgraceful. It’s certain Lookman will leave in summer. You cannot do that to your best player in public. A player who won you the Europa league. He came in at half time and scored one minute later. Something Retegui and De Katelare couldn’t do. Retegui missed a penalty just two weeks ago against Torino. De Katelare was useless for 90mins today also and he couldn’t throw them under the bus. The only player who attempted to win him the game, he throws him under the bus.”
Another fan and football journalist, @ojbsports reacted similarly, stating that Gasperini was meant to protect Lookman after his penalty miss, “When your coach that’s suppose to shield and protect you from external criticism starts criticising you openly, then something is wrong.”
However, not all fans blamed Gasperini entirely, with @LeoMika1729798 pointing out that Lookman had a similar incident during his time at Fulham, suggesting that Lookman needs to work on managing his ego, “Lookman did the same with Fulham a few years ago. I love the guy, but he should keep his ego in check.”
@optimus_Dracula shared a similar view, stating that the game’s momentum would have swung in Atalanta’s favor if Lookman had allowed the designated penalty taker to take it, “Say he was but unfair to single him alone but let’s be honest if Atalanta had scored that penalty, the momentum would have shifted greatly in their favor and things could have changed so that was a defining moment in the game and Lookman chose to go against team rules (Which is allow the penalty taker on the pitch take the penalties).”
Another fan, @47kasz, expressed a different opinion, suggesting that African players should not be encouraged to play in Italy, “As long as you are an African in an Italy team, you are just one mistake, one missed clear cut goal, penalty or little lost of form to being a scapegoat. We’ve seen it different times over. Ademola Lookman should have left Atalanta in the summer.”
On the other hand, @dondekojo slammed Gasperini’s remark that Lookman was the worst penalty taker he had ever seen, “Lookman had 100% Penalty rate for Atalanta 4 in 4 before last night. Official taker missed two recently. What was the manager on about “worst Penalty taker.”
Some fans, such as @CFC_OBED, used the situation to express their desire for Ademola Lookman to join their favorite team, saying: “Lookman to Chelsea who says no? If they don’t appreciate you , we will.”
Another fan, @cindy_blog suggested that Ademola Lookman should consider a transfer, identifying Arsenal and Liverpool as two potential clubs that could be a good fit for him, “Ademola Lookman needs a new team to be honest. He can play comfortably in Liverpool or Arsenal.”
Amidst the ongoing debate, attention will shift to Atalanta and Lookman’s efforts to conclude the season on a positive note, with the Italian side still within striking distance of league leaders Napoli, trailing by just five points in the Serie A standings.
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