Lookman's Penalty Woe: Gasperini Criticizes Striker After Atalanta's Champions League Exit

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini blasts Ademola Lookman's penalty miss as his team exits the Champions League.

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was left fuming after his team's 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League, with striker Ademola Lookman's missed penalty a major point of contention. Gasperini lambasted Lookman's penalty-taking abilities, saying, “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen.”

Lookman had earlier scored a goal to pull one back for Atalanta after Brugge took a 3-0 lead at halftime. However, his penalty miss, saved by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, proved costly as Atalanta was knocked out of the Champions League with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.

Gasperini expressed his disappointment with Lookman's decision to take the penalty, suggesting that Charles De Ketelaere or Mateo Retegui would have been better options. “He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them,” Gasperini said. “Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”

No holding back from Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini 😳 pic.twitter.com/VSvdPbCTrp

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) February 19, 2025

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was scathing in his criticism of his team's discipline, particularly that of captain Rafael Tolving, who was given a straight red card for shoving Maxim De Cvinger after a dispute over a throw-in. “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads,” Gasperini said, clearly disappointed by the incident.

Gasperini emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity, even in defeat. “Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona,” he stated. Despite their exit from the competition, Gasperini took pride in his team's performances against some of Europe's top clubs.

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini says Ademola Lookman is the 'worst penalty taker he's ever seen.' 😳 pic.twitter.com/1p2NZnMdIV

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) February 19, 2025

Atalanta's elimination marked the second Italian team to bow out of the Champions League, following AC Milan's aggregate defeat to Feyenoord. The Bergamo-based club, currently third in Serie A, will now focus on their domestic campaign.