Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has heavily criticized Ademola Lookman for missing a penalty during their Champions League exit against Club Brugge.
The Nigerian winger took the spot-kick despite not being the designated taker, and his effort was saved by Simon Mignolet. Softfootball reports that Gasperini was furious with the decision, labeling Lookman one of the worst penalty takers he has ever seen.
The coach revealed that Lookman acted on enthusiasm after scoring a goal, ignoring the presence of better options like Retegui and De Ketelaere.
Gasperini emphasized that the player’s poor record in training made the choice even more questionable, stating that he did not appreciate the gesture at all during such a critical moment in the tie.
Gasperini explained his frustration by stating:
Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.
This public rebuke highlights the tension between the manager and the player following the disappointing European campaign.
