Atalanta's coach Gian Piero Gasperini went on a remarkable tirade on Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian went from hero to zero against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
The football world is buzzing with controversy after Atalanta's head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, launched a scathing attack on Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman following the club's shock Champions League playoff defeat to Club Brugge.
Lookman, who went from hero to zero in the game, has received widespread support from Nigerians and football fans after what many have described as "disrespectful" comments from his coach.
Lookman, returning from injury, made an instant impact after coming off the bench at halftime, with Atalanta already 3-0 down in the second leg at home, scoring just 35 seconds into his return.
However, the night took a dramatic turn when the Super Eagles star stepped up to take a crucial penalty in the second half.
With Atalanta trailing 3-1 on aggregate and desperate for a comeback, Lookman took the responsibility ahead of teammates Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere but failed to convert.
The missed penalty allowed Brugge to hold their lead and ultimately secure qualification to the round of 16, becoming the first team from Belgium to do so in the UCL era.
After the match, Gasperini did not hold back in his criticism of Lookman. Speaking to reporters as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, he said:
"Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Ketelaere being available to take it... I didn't like what Lookman did."
The remarks have sparked outrage among Nigerian fans and supporters of Lookman, who have rallied around their star player.
Many see Gasperini's comments as unfair and disrespectful, especially given that even world-class players miss penalties under pressure.
The fans have taken to social media in droves, urging Lookman to leave Atalanta and Italy altogether.
One fan wrote:
"Just start packing ur things, u r no longer needed."
Another defended Lookman by pointing out that penalties are never a guaranteed success:
"Even if he scored, Atalanta could have been eliminated. So stop blaming the young man."
Others compared Lookman's situation to that of fellow Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, who faced challenges in Italy earlier this season:
"They have started as how they did to Osimhen. Make una try to frustrate this one, and wait for Nigerians."
Some fans also highlighted that even the best players in history have missed penalties at crucial moments:
"Stop the nonsense; even Messi and Ronaldo miss penalties at crucial moments."
The fallout from Gasperini's comments has raised questions about Lookman's future at Atalanta.
While his performance on the pitch has often been praised, this public criticism from his coach could strain their relationship moving forward.
For now, Nigerians remain firmly behind their star player, calling for him to leave Atalanta and seek opportunities elsewhere where he will be respected and valued.
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