Ademola Lookman was called out by his coach after Atalanta were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has found himself at the centre of a raging storm after his scathing remarks about Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman following the club’s Champions League playoff heartbreak against Club Brugge.
Lookman, who was returning from injury, made an instant impact in the match, scoring just 35 seconds after coming on as a substitute in the second half.
With Atalanta 3-1 down on aggregate, the Super Eagles star attempted to inspire a comeback but ended up in the firing line after missing a crucial penalty.
Ademola Lookman, who missed the first leg, gave Atalanta hope after just 35 seconds with his historic goal | IMAGO
Instead of backing his player, Gasperini delivered an unfiltered criticism, telling reporters:
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Ketelaere being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”
His comments have sparked outrage among Nigerian fans, who see the remarks as unfair, harsh, and disrespectful.
 "A very useless coach – ‘Angry’ Nigerians tear into Atalanta coach for blaming Lookman after missed penalty 2")
Italian club Atalanta BC suffered another disappointing outing without their Nigerian star Ademola Lookman.
Fans tear into Gasperini over Lookman remarks
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini against Club Brugge | Imago
Following Gasperini’s remarks, Nigerians and football supporters worldwide have taken to social media to slam the Atalanta boss, calling his actions ungrateful and disrespectful towards Lookman.
One furious fan posted:
“Lookman might still be injured sef and that useless coach is blaming him for conceding 3 goals at home!”
Another added:
“That coach is useless. This is racism at play.”
A different supporter highlighted Atalanta’s defensive issues, saying:
“Toloi their skipper collected a useless red card to kill the game totally, yet it is Lookman the coach is blaming.”
Lookman missed a crucial penalty for Atalanta in the Champions League | IMAGO
Another simply put:
“Ungrateful club and useless coach.”
Reactions to Gasperini’s comments after Lookman’s penalty miss | Credit: X
Reactions to Gasperini’s comments after Lookman’s penalty miss | Credit: X
Reactions to Gasperini’s comments after Lookman’s penalty miss | Credit: X
With the Super Eagles star being targeted, many believe Gasperini is using Lookman as a scapegoat rather than addressing Atalanta’s defensive weaknesses and their failure to overturn the deficit.
As the backlash continues to grow, fans are keeping a close eye on how Lookman responds both on and off the pitch.
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