Gasperini Slams Diving in Football, Hopes for Lookman's Return

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini speaks out against diving in football, while also providing an update on Ademola Lookman's injury.

A timely injection of fresh talent has rekindled hope for Manchester City, suggesting that a miraculous turnaround in Madrid is within the realm of possibility.

Atalanta faces an uphill battle in their Champions League play-off second leg against Club Brugge, trailing by a goal after a contentious late penalty decision in the first match. Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini expressed his frustration, stating that diving is detrimental to the sport. “Diving is killing the sport,” Gasperini emphasized.

The controversy surrounding the penalty decision was sparked when Brugge's Gustaf Nilsson fell to the ground in added time after minimal contact with Isak Hien's hand. Nilsson subsequently converted the penalty, securing a 2-1 home win for Brugge in the first leg of their knockout phase playoff. Gasperini was incensed by the decision and also criticized VAR decisions following a 1-1 draw with Torino earlier this month.

Le parole di Mister Gasperini alla vigilia di Atalanta-Club Brugge 🎙️

Gian Piero Gasperini's words ahead of #AtalantaBrugge 💬#UCL #GoAtalantaGo ⚫🔵

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) February 17, 2025

Italian football authorities have recently discussed introducing a VAR on-call system, similar to tennis, where players can challenge an umpire's decision. However, Gasperini is opposed to this solution. “I am against this solution because it would slow down the game even more, which is already very slow by virtue of the many whistles that are blown,” Gasperini told Sky Sports ahead of Tuesday's return leg with Brugge. “It would increase the controversy even more. There are four referees, three at VAR and that seems like a lot to me.”

Gian Piero Gasperini has intensified his criticism of diving in football, emphasizing the need to combat simulations that can have a devastating impact on the sport. “Simulations must be fought because they kill football,” Gasperini stressed. “These are things that can knock you out and you have to be clear about contacts. Technology must also give answers and take responsibility for making judgements.”

Tornano @seadk6 e @Alookman_ 👊

Sead and Mola are back 👊#AtalantaBrugge #UCL #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️🔵 pic.twitter.com/NKWDuvz7Yd

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) February 18, 2025

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is hopeful that forward Ademola Lookman will be available for selection against Club Brugge. Lookman, who has scored four Champions League goals and 10 in Serie A this season, has been sidelined with a knee injury for the past six games. Gasperini acknowledged the significance of Lookman's absence, saying, “We happened to have Lookman out in this period, which coincided with fewer goals and we lacked something in the attacking phase.”

With Lookman nearing full recovery, Gasperini plans to incorporate him into the game against Brugge. “Now he seems to have recovered,” Gasperini said. “My intention is to bring him to the bench and use him in view of possible extra time. It is important that he is well.”