Lookman-Gasperini Rift Causes Tension at Atalanta Following Champions League Exit

Atalanta's Champions League dreams came to a crashing halt on Tuesday night, but the fallout from their elimination has sparked internal controversy. The Italian club suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Club Brugge, sealing a 5-2 aggregate loss and cutting short their European ambitions. However, the focus has now shifted to a public dispute between star forward Ademola Lookman and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Lookman, who came off the bench at halftime and immediately found the back of the net, also missed a crucial penalty that he was not designated to take. Following the match, Gasperini did not hold back in his criticism, stating in his post-game press conference that Lookman is "one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen." The remarks did not sit well with the Nigerian international, who took to social media to express his disappointment, calling the comments "hurtful and deeply disrespectful."

The situation has reportedly angered some members of Atalanta’s ownership, as Lookman is viewed as an important figure for the club both on and off the pitch. Co-owner Antonio Percassi has since intervened, attempting to mediate peace talks between Lookman and Gasperini to prevent further discord within the squad.

Reports from Italian media indicate that the club hierarchy was displeased with Gasperini’s public criticism, given Lookman’s contributions to Atalanta’s recent success. The 26-year-old forward played a pivotal role in the club’s Europa League triumph last season, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. His status as the reigning African Player of the Year has further elevated Atalanta’s international profile, making him a key ambassador for the club.

Gasperini, who has been in charge of Atalanta since 2016, has overseen a remarkable transformation, taking the team from mid-table mediocrity to consistent European contention. Despite this success, his long-term future remains uncertain. He is currently under contract until 2025, with an option to extend for an additional year, but has recently hinted that his tenure could be nearing its conclusion. Speaking ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A clash with Empoli, the 67-year-old coach suggested that this may be his final season with the club, stating, "There is a beginning and an end, and we’ll see at the end of the year. There will certainly be no further renewal."

Meanwhile, Lookman has received public support from the Nigerian national team, with their official social media account posting a message of solidarity: "We are with you, Ade." Despite the controversy, the forward remains one of Atalanta’s most crucial players, having already netted 15 goals this season.

With Atalanta currently sitting third in Serie A and pushing for another Champions League qualification, the club will hope to move past the dispute and refocus on their objectives. However, with Gasperini’s future in doubt and clubs reportedly monitoring Lookman’s situation, tensions behind the scenes may continue to linger as the season progresses.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / jorono, Instagram / @atalantabc