‘Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen’ — Atalanta boss Gasperini blames Nigerian for Champions League exit

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has placed the blame for his side’s Champions League elimination on Ademola Lookman, criticising the Nigerian forward for his crucial penalty miss in their playoff defeat to Club Brugge.

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Atalanta, who trailed 2-1 from the first leg, suffered a 3-1 loss at home, crashing out with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.

Returning from injury as a half-time substitute, Lookman made an immediate impact, scoring just 35 seconds after coming off the bench.

However, his night took a turn for the worse when he stepped up to take a crucial penalty in the second half.

The Super Eagles star took the responsibility ahead of teammates Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere, but failed to convert, allowing Brugge to maintain their lead and eventually secure qualification to the next round.

Lookman’s missed penalty came at a pivotal moment when the score was 3-1 on the night, ultimately halting Atalanta’s hopes of mounting a comeback.

Speaking after the match, Gasperini did not hold back, expressing his frustration over Lookman’s penalty decision.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the veteran Italian coach said, “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.

“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Ketelaere being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”

Atalanta, who missed out on an automatic round of 16 spot by just one point during the league phase, will now have to wait until next season to try again in Europe.

Meanwhile, Lookman will be hoping to bounce back from this disappointment as he returns to domestic action for La Dea.