Lookman and Gasperini bury the hatchet as Atalanta star continues to shine

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring the 4-0 lead during the Italian Serie A soccer match Juventus FC vs Atalanta BC at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy, 09 March 2025. EPA/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025. 15:00

Reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman has put the penalty fallout between himself and Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini to bed as he continues his scintillating form for La Dea.

The Nigerian forward continued his impressive scoring streak, netting his sixth goal in seven games as he capped off Atalanta’s stunning 4-0 away victory over Juventus, a result that sent shockwaves through the Italian football scene.

Despite having a very public fallout with his coach Gaseperini, Lookman hasn’t missed a beat since his high profile penalty miss against Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.

Gasperini described Lookman as “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” and Lookman labelled the coach’s criticism as “deeply disrespectful.”

Lookman has consistently delivered strong performances, scoring twice against Empoli and then impressing against Juventus. This has propelled him to third in the Serie A scoring rankings.

Additionally, his warm gesture of embracing coach Gasperini when substituted appears to indicate that their previous disagreement has been put behind them according to ESPN UK.

“When a group spends 300 days together in a year, people can have different views,” said Gasperini after the inspiring victory.

“Lookman became a fantastic player when he improved his perception of the team. He used to have a more individual approach. He wasn’t a bad guy, but he mostly focused on the individual. He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great. I am convinced he can be the captain before the end of the season.”

As the Super Eagles star enters the final year of his contract with Atalanta, his future with the club remains uncertain having been previously linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, he is currently thriving with Atalanta, surpassing his previous season’s goal tally and potentially poised to win another major honour, despite the team’s Champions League disappointment.