Atalanta coach Gasperini blasts Ademola Lookman after penalty miss

Gian Piero Gasperini, the coach of Atalanta, described his striker Ademola Lookman as “one of the worst penalty takers he has ever seen” after his missed penalty kick prevented a comeback in Tuesday’s Champions League 3-1 loss to Club Brugge at home.

After Brugge seized a 3-0 halftime lead, Lookman drew back one goal early in the second half, but goalkeeper Simon Mignolet stopped a penalty kick, and the Serie A team was eliminated with a 5-2 aggregate loss.

The Nigerian international was singled out for criticism by Gasperini, who also said that either striker Mateo Retegui or attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere ought to have taken the penalty.

“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the Italian manager told a post-match press conference.

“He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. 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.”

Rafael Tolói, the captain of Atalanta, was also scolded by Gasperini when he shoved Maxim De Cuyper following a dispute over a throw-in and was given a straight red card.

“That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads,” he said.

“Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”

After AC Milan drew 1-1 with Feyenoord, losing 2-1 overall, Atalanta, third in Serie A, became the second Italian team to be eliminated from the Champions League.