Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini did not hold back in his criticism of Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian forward missed a crucial penalty in their 3-1 home defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday, MySportDab Reports.
Lookman had given the Serie A side hope of a comeback after pulling a goal back early in the second half following Brugge’s dominant 3-0 lead at halftime.
However, the forward failed to convert from the spot, with Simon Mignolet making a crucial save. Atalanta ultimately crashed out of the competition with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
Gasperini was unimpressed with Lookman’s decision to take the penalty, insisting that other designated takers should have stepped up instead.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty. He is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini said in his post-match press conference. “His record in training is terrible.
Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman, in a moment of enthusiasm, took the ball. That was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”
The coach also criticized Atalanta captain Rafael Tolói, who received a straight red card after shoving Maxim De Cuyper during an argument over a throw-in.
“That was an ugly incident, and we must never lose our heads,” Gasperini added. “Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Barcelona.”
Atalanta, currently third in Serie A, became the second Italian side to exit the competition after AC Milan’s elimination by Feyenoord.
