The Ademola Lookman and Gasperini Saga

What Happened? The Champions League Fallout

Atalanta suffered a 3-1 home defeat against Club Brugge, confirming their 5-2 aggregate exit from the Champions League. Ademola Lookman, who was introduced at halftime, provided a moment of hope by scoring immediately. However, when the team was awarded a penalty, Lookman took it upon himself to take the spot-kick—a decision that proved costly as his effort was saved by Simon Mignolet.

Rather than addressing the issue internally, Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini publicly criticized Lookman, stating that he was never meant to take the penalty and had a poor record in training.

"Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen," Gasperini told reporters.

"He has a frankly terrible record even in training. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman, in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring, decided to take the ball, and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all."

Lookman Responds: “Deeply Disrespectful”

Following the coach’s comments, Lookman responded via Instagram, calling the remarks “hurtful and deeply disrespectful.” His response resonated with fans and football analysts, who questioned why Gasperini chose to air his frustrations publicly rather than handle the matter behind closed doors.

The fallout from the incident did not go unnoticed by Atalanta’s owners. According to reports, the club’s hierarchy, led by Antonio Percassi, was frustrated with Gasperini’s handling of the situation. They view Lookman as a key ambassador for Atalanta, especially after his significant role in their Europa League triumph.

In an attempt to smooth things over, Atalanta co-owner Antonio Percassi flew over to act as a mediator in peace-keeping talks between the involved parties.

Gasperini Hints at Resignation Amid Backlash

As tensions escalated, speculation arose regarding Gasperini’s future at Atalanta. Reports from Ruleta Sport via Tutto Atalanta suggested that the pressure almost led him to resign on the morning of February 19.

However, the intervention of the club’s management convinced him to stay until the end of the season. Still, the controversy has undoubtedly weakened his standing within the club.

Gasperini’s Clarification: “It Was Not Meant to Offend”

In an attempt to control the damage, Gasperini later addressed the controversy in a press conference. While acknowledging that his words had caused a stir, he maintained that his intention was never to insult Lookman.

"It had an extraordinary impact, everything that came afterward… mine was not meant to be an offensive sentence," he said.

He added that he expected Lookman to encourage De Ketelaere or another designated taker instead of taking the penalty himself. However, his comments did little to ease tensions.

No Contract Renewal: Gasperini’s Future Uncertain

Gasperini has now made it clear that he will not renew his contract with Atalanta. His current deal runs until June 2025, with an option for a one-year extension. However, the coach confirmed that there will be no further renewal beyond this period.

"Rightly so, as has been said, there is a beginning and an end. We'll see at the end of the year whether to go for expiry or to stop, but certainly, there will be no continuity."

Final Thoughts

The Lookman-Gasperini feud has left a lasting impact on Atalanta. While Gasperini’s managerial future remains uncertain, Lookman’s reputation within the club appears intact, with ownership standing by him. The club didn't turn its back on him, and that kind of support speaks volumes. It shows they truly value him—not just as a player, but as an important part of their project. It’s great to see them backing him up, especially after his contributions to their success.

With Atalanta pushing for a Champions League spot, it remains to be seen whether the club can move past this controversy or if it will affect their performance in the remainder of the season.