Atalanta owners displeased with Gasperini over comments on Lookman

By Olaolu Joseph

The owners of Italian club Atalanta are reportedly siding with Nigeria international Ademola Lookman following his public dispute with coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

Lookman and Gasperini clashed after the team’s elimination from the Champions League on Tuesday night, an incident that has reportedly angered some members of the club’s ownership.

Atalanta suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round, resulting in a 5-2 aggregate loss.

Lookman scored immediately after coming off the bench at halftime but later missed a penalty he was not designated to take. Gasperini, in his post-match press conference, criticized the forward, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”

In response, Lookman issued a statement describing the comments as “hurtful and deeply disrespectful.”

Following the incident, reports suggest several clubs are now interested in signing the reigning African Player of the Year should he opt to leave Atalanta in the summer.

In an effort to defuse tensions, Atalanta co-owner Antonio Percassi has reportedly stepped in to mediate peace talks between the parties involved.

According to TMW, the Atalanta ownership was displeased with Gasperini’s remarks, as they view Lookman as a key ambassador for the club, a crucial figure in its international image, and a major contributor to its recent Europa League triumph.