Reports indicate that Atalanta’s Gian Piero Gasperini will be free to leave the club if he wishes in the aftermath of a difficult week that includes heated exchange with Ademola Lookman.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has been given the green light to leave the club if he chooses to do so, following the heated exchange with Nigerian star Ademola Lookman.
This development comes before Atalanta’s impressive 5-0 victory over Empoli, where the club’s management made it clear they would not stand in Gasperini’s way if he decided to depart before the end of the season.
 "You can go if you want — Ademola Lookman's coach at Atalanta told 1")
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 "You can go if you want — Ademola Lookman's coach at Atalanta told 2")
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Nigeria’s star forward as replacement for Mohamed Salah this summer.
The tension between Gasperini and Lookman began after Atalanta’s unexpected exit from the Champions League.
Gasperini publicly criticised Lookman for taking a penalty against Club Brugge, suggesting that other players were better suited for the task.
Ademola Lookman with a powerful performance for Atalanta.
Lookman responded, expressing that Gasperini’s comments were “deeply disrespectful and hurtful.” This public spat has led to speculation about Gasperini’s future at the club.
In response to the situation, Atalanta’s CEO Luca Percassi emphasised the club’s respect for Gasperini’s decision-making process.
Gian Piero Gasperini did not like what the Nigerian star did against Club Brugge.
“We’ve been with the coach for nine years, so these are matters we only ever addressed at the end of the season and not this early. It is because of our great rapport and affection for him that we will respect it if his decision is to not renew the contract. We will understand and have to deal with it,” Percassi stated per Football Italia.
Gasperini had hinted that he would not renew his contract, which could expire as early as June 2025 or extend until 2026.
Lookman missed a crucial penalty for Atalanta in the Champions League | IMAGO
Despite this uncertainty, Percassi remains focused on the current season, aiming for Atalanta to finish as strong as possible in Serie A.
“We want Atalanta to finish this season as protagonists, without regrets and getting as many points as possible,” he noted.
Latest Man of the match, Ademola Lookman, after the exchange with Gasperini.
Atalanta currently sits third in Serie A with 54 points from 26 matches, just three points off the top spot.
The club’s success under Gasperini has been significant, including winning the Europa League last season and consistently competing in the Champions League.
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