Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca has defended Gian Piero Gasperini Amid Ademola Lookman controversy.
Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca has come out in defense of coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who was involved in a controversy with striker Ademola Lookman over his penalty kick-taking abilities.
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Gasperini had called Lookman “one of the worst” penalty kick takers after the Nigerian missed a spot-kick against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman had an outstanding weekend for Atalanta. (Photo Credit: Lookman/X)
What Pagliuca said
However, Pagliuca has downplayed the incident, saying that Gasperini made a mistake by speaking about an individual player.
 "It was a mistake - Atalanta owner reacts to Gasperini's harsh treatment of Lookman 2")
Everything to know about Gian Piero Gasperini, including his playing career and managerial journey, personal life and recent issues with Ademola Lookman.
“We want to put this situation behind us, and I think we have, considering the 5-0 victory [against Empoli],” Pagliuca told Gazzetta.
He continued, “These matches are always intense. We love the passion with which they are played. We have a great coach, very passionate. He made a mistake by speaking about an individual.”
Ademola Lookman and Gian Piero Gasperini have had a public falling out (Credit: Imago)
Pagliuca also praised the team’s performance this season, saying that they are having an “extraordinary” season.
“The players are having an extraordinary season, we wouldn’t be where we are now without the contributions of Lookman, De Ketelaere, and the whole team,” he said.
 "It was a mistake - Atalanta owner reacts to Gasperini's harsh treatment of Lookman 4")
AFCON 2013 winner and Super Eagles icon Sunday Mba has advised Ademola Lookman to leave Atalanta this summer.
Gasperini’s future at Atalanta has also been the subject of speculation, with the coach saying that he will not sign a new contract extension. However, Pagliuca said that the decision is up to Gasperini and that the club will respect his wishes.
Meanwhile, Atalanta bounced back from their Champions League elimination with a 5-0 win over Empoli on Sunday. The victory leaves them sitting third in the Serie A, just three points behind the top spot.
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