Del Piero Slams Atalanta coach for criticising Lookman

Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has criticised Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for his harsh public comments on Nigeria international Ademola Lookman following the club’s UEFA Champions League exit on Tuesday.

Gasperini singled out Lookman for criticism after the forward missed a crucial penalty in the match. The Nigerian, returning from a six-game absence due to a knee injury, made an immediate impact by scoring just 42 seconds after coming on at halftime, giving Atalanta a glimmer of hope despite trailing 3-0.

However, in the 61st minute, Lookman’s penalty attempt was saved by former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, prompting Gasperini’s scathing remarks.

“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini said post-match. “He insisted on taking the penalty after scoring, even though Retegui and De Ketelaere were available. I didn’t like what he did.”

The 26-year-old forward responded with an emotional statement on Wednesday, expressing his disappointment at being publicly criticised by his coach.

Del Piero, speaking on Sky Sport, condemned Gasperini’s approach, stating that such comments were unnecessary and could harm a player’s confidence.

“The mistake like the one on the penalty kick is human,” Del Piero said as per Tutto Atalanta.

“Regardless of the internal dynamics, I wouldn’t have taken Gasperini’s words in the post-match well. Lookman’s response today also shows this.

“He’s having an extraordinary season, and yet you put him in the pillory, also risking cracking the dressing room. Let’s see how the team reacts…”

The 66-year-old manager’s public outburst has sparked speculations that Lookman may leave Atalanta at the end of the season.