Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has delivered a scathing assessment of Ademola Lookman’s penalty-taking abilities after the Nigerian forward missed a crucial spot-kick in their 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League knockout round play-offs.
Lookman, who had earlier scored Atalanta’s only goal of the match, stepped up to take a penalty that could have reignited his team’s hopes, but his miss proved costly as the Italian side crashed out of the competition.
Gasperini did not hold back in his post-match remarks on Tuesday, expressing his frustration at the player’s decision.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini stated bluntly.
The Atalanta boss further revealed that Lookman took the penalty despite the availability of designated takers.
“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.”
The missed opportunity ultimately sealed Atalanta’s fate, leaving Gasperini furious as his team bowed out of the competition.
