‘He struggled a lot’ - Atalanta manager explains birthday boy Lookman’s substitution at halftime

Lookman made the starting lineup for Atalanta after facing a brutal incident with the Super Eagles in Libya.

However, he struggled to perform in the game and was substituted by the manager at halftime.

Atalanta went on to beat Venezia 2-0 thanks to goals from Mario Pasalic and Mateo Retegui in both halves.

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini clarified during the press conference held after the game that Lookman was replaced because he was not contributing to the team's defence.

According to Calcio Napoli 1926, he said, "Even though he is our most dangerous player, he struggled a lot to come back. 

“He wasn't able to play for the team but for the ideas, which are important, but at that moment Venezia had grown.

"There was a risk of playing a match like the one against Como. I needed to tie the team together more."

Lookman, who was celebrating his 27th birthday, was unexpectedly replaced at halftime by Juan Cuadrado.

The manager claimed that Lookman was struggling in the first half and was not helping his teammates.