Gasperini Blames Lookman for Atalanta’s Champions League Exit After Costly Penalty Miss
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has openly criticized Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian forward missed a crucial penalty in their Champions League playoff defeat to Club Brugge. Lookman, who had earlier scored a goal just moments after coming off the bench, failed to convert a second-half penalty that could have changed the course of the match.
Atalanta, who were already trailing 2-1 from the first leg, suffered a 3-1 defeat at home, crashing out with a 5-2 aggregate loss. Gasperini did not hold back his frustration, calling Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
Lookman’s Penalty Miss Proves Costly
Ademola Lookman, returning from injury, was introduced as a second-half substitute and made an immediate impact, scoring just 35 seconds after stepping onto the pitch. His quick goal gave Atalanta hope of mounting a comeback against Club Brugge.
However, the momentum shifted when Atalanta were awarded a penalty in the second half. Instead of designated takers Mateo Retegui or Charles De Ketelaere stepping up, Lookman took responsibility for the spot kick. His effort was poorly taken and saved, allowing Brugge to maintain their lead.
Gasperini said he felt bad for Retegui when he missed a penalty against arsenal in champions league and same Gasperini said Ademola Lookman is the worst penalty taker ever when Lookman missed a penalty yesterday.
Double standards it’s unacceptable
— Afrokonnect (@AfrokonnectNG) February 19, 2025
With the score at 3-1, a converted penalty would have put Atalanta in a strong position to push for a dramatic late comeback. Instead, Lookman’s miss killed their momentum, and the Belgian side comfortably saw out the rest of the game to secure qualification for the Champions League last 16.
Gasperini’s Harsh Criticism of Lookman
After the match, Gasperini expressed his frustration, particularly over Lookman’s decision to take the penalty instead of the team’s regular takers. The veteran Italian coach did not hold back in his assessment of the Super Eagles forward.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini said, as quoted by football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Gasperini: “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen”.
“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal, he took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did”. pic.twitter.com/ieivtPMaL5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2025
“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Ketelaere being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”
Gasperini’s comments suggest that there was no prior agreement for Lookman to take the spot kick, raising questions about discipline and decision-making within the squad.
Atalanta’s European Dream Ends in Disappointment
Atalanta, who missed out on automatic qualification for the round of 16 by just one point in the league phase, had hoped to overturn their first-leg deficit against Club Brugge. However, their poor finishing and defensive mistakes led to a disappointing exit.
With this elimination, Atalanta’s Champions League campaign is over, and they will have to wait until next season to compete in Europe again. Gasperini’s side will now shift their focus back to domestic competitions, as they aim to secure another top-four finish in Serie A.
Lookman’s Future at Atalanta
Despite Gasperini’s harsh criticism, Lookman remains a key player for Atalanta. The 26-year-old winger has been one of the club’s most important attacking threats, and his goal-scoring ability has helped the team in crucial moments.
Ademola Lookman releases a statement after Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini called him “one of the worst penalty takers” he’s ever seen following his miss vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League. pic.twitter.com/sErCt3W9Tu
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 19, 2025
Lookman will now be hoping to bounce back from this disappointment as he returns to domestic action with Atalanta. His next challenge will be proving his worth and rebuilding trust within the squad after this costly penalty miss.
The question remains whether Gasperini’s public remarks will affect Lookman’s confidence or serve as motivation for improvement as the season progresses.
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