Atalanta Boss Gasperini Slams Ademola Lookman: “One of the Worst Penalty Takers I’ve Ever Seen”

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has launched a scathing attack on Ademola Lookman, labeling him “one of the worst penalty takers” he’s ever seen. This stinging criticism comes after Lookman’s disappointing performance in their Champions League match against Club Brugge.

The match ended in a 3-1 loss for Atalanta, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate defeat. Gasperini’s frustration was palpable, particularly with Lookman’s decision to take the penalty despite Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere being available.

Gasperini expressed his discontent, stating, “He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal, he took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.” The coach’s words suggest that Lookman’s actions were driven by enthusiasm rather than strategic thinking.

Lookman’s penalty miss was not an isolated incident; he has a history of struggling with spot kicks. In November 2020, he infamously missed a penalty against West Ham, and his coach’s comments suggest that he hasn’t improved much since then.

Gasperini’s blunt assessment of Lookman’s penalty-taking abilities has sparked debate, with some agreeing with the coach’s harsh words and others defending the player. While Lookman’s confidence and determination are admirable, his penalty record raises concerns about his ability to perform under pressure.

As Atalanta looks to regroup and focus on their domestic campaign, Gasperini’s comments serve as a reminder that improvement is needed. For Lookman, the criticism presents an opportunity to reflect on his performance and work on becoming a more reliable penalty taker.