The relationship between Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini and Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has reached a critical juncture, fraught with tension and public discord despite Lookman’s instrumental role in Atalanta’s recent 5-0 victory over Empoli. The rift stems from a post-match incident following Atalanta’s Champions League exit against Club Brugge, where Lookman missed a crucial penalty, drawing sharp criticism from Gasperini, who labeled him one of the worst penalty takers he had ever seen. This public rebuke ignited a war of words between the player and manager, deepening the existing cracks in their professional relationship. Lookman’s brace against Empoli, which included a nonchalant finish and a powerful driven strike, temporarily overshadowed the escalating conflict, but the underlying tension remained palpable.
The on-field brilliance of Lookman, who notched his 12th league goal of the season, contrasted sharply with the frosty off-field interactions. His pointed avoidance of Gasperini during his substitution, choosing instead to acknowledge assistant manager Tullio Gritti, spoke volumes about the lingering resentment. This public display of discord followed Gasperini’s attempted reconciliation during a press conference where he downplayed his earlier comments, claiming they were not meant to be offensive. He further attempted to justify his criticism by suggesting Lookman should have offered encouragement to teammate Charles De Ketelaere, who also missed a penalty in a separate match. However, this attempt at damage control seemingly failed to resonate with Lookman, leaving the situation unresolved.
Lookman, in an earlier emotional statement, had already refuted Gasperini’s version of events surrounding the missed penalty, asserting that he had been instructed to take it by the designated penalty taker. He expressed feeling deeply disrespected by the public nature of the criticism, highlighting his consistent hard work and commitment to the team. The incident has unearthed deeper issues within the club, fueled by reports of a prior agreement between Atalanta and Lookman for a summer transfer following the player’s unsuccessful attempt to move to Paris Saint-Germain. This latest episode appears to have pushed their relationship to the brink.
Adding fuel to the fire are external voices weighing in on the controversy. Football legend Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon FA, publicly backed Lookman, offering words of encouragement and reminding him that football memories are short-lived. Former Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi, drawing parallels to Victor Osimhen’s experience at Napoli, advised Lookman to seek a new club where he could enjoy his football without such public scrutiny. Onazi acknowledged Lookman’s significant contributions to Atalanta, particularly during a challenging period in his career, but suggested a fresh start might be the best solution for all parties involved.
Lookman’s impressive statistics this season, with 17 goals and seven assists across Serie A and the Champions League, underscore his value to the team despite injury setbacks limiting his appearances. His most memorable contribution undoubtedly remains the historic hat-trick that secured Atalanta their first European trophy in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. This achievement cemented his status as a key player for the club.
As the season progresses and Atalanta continue their pursuit of the Serie A title, the unresolved conflict between Lookman and Gasperini looms large. The question remains whether the relationship can be salvaged, or if this public falling out will inevitably lead to Lookman’s departure from Bergamo in the upcoming transfer window. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for Atalanta’s future ambitions and the trajectory of Lookman’s promising career.
