Eric Patrick
Following Atalanta’s 3-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge in the knockout round play-offs, manager Gian Piero Gasperini voiced his disappointment with Ademola Lookman’s penalty-taking skills.
Speaking after the match on Tuesday, Gasperini said, “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
Gasperini’s assessment of Lookman has angered his fans, particularly those in Nigeria.
The Nigerian forward, who had earlier scored Atalanta’s only goal in the match, missed a crucial penalty that could have given his side a chance to fight back.
The Atalanta boss revealed that Lookman took the ball despite other designated takers being available.
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“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did,” Gasperini added.
Atalanta‘s missed penalty was a game-changer. They couldn’t overcome their deficit and were eliminated from the competition.