ATALANTA’S head coach, GianPiero Gasperini, has come under scrutiny for his harsh and unwarranted criticism of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman following their 3-1 defeat that ensured Atalanta’s exit from the UEFA Champions League. Lookman, returning from a six-match absence due to a knee injury, made an immediate impact by scoring within 42 seconds of his introduction at halftime. However, his night took a different turn when his penalty was saved, prompting Gasperini to label him as “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.
Such comments were not only unnecessary but also deeply disrespectful to a player who has been instrumental to Atalanta’s glittering success. Lookman, understandably, who appeared hurt by the unguarded remarks of a supposed coach and manager of men, responded with an emotional statement, emphasising his commitment to the club and revealing that he was instructed to take the penalty by the designated taker. This directly contradicted Gasperini’s version of events, further highlighting the unfairness of the criticism.
What makes Gasperini’s comments even more troubling is the stark contrast in his treatment of other players in similar situations. When Mateo Retegui missed a crucial penalty against Arsenal—a miss that denied Atalanta a chance to secure an automatic spot in the knockout stages—Gasperini’s reaction was notably different. Rather than criticizeRetegui, he praised him, stating that he had played his best game and deserved a goal. Such double standards raise serious questions about Gasperini’s management approach and whether he applies the same level of scrutiny to all the players in his cares.
The facts further expose the apparent injustice of Gasperini’s remarks. Retegui has missed two crucial penalties for Atalanta, against Arsenal and Torino, out of four attempts. Lookman, on the other hand, had maintained a 100 per cent penalty conversion rate before this unfortunate miss. If Gasperini could afford leniency towards Retegui, why was Lookman subjected to such public condemnation?
Football history has shown that penalty misses are a common part of the game, even for the greatest players. Roberto Baggio, one of Italy’s finest footballers, missed a decisive penalty in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil after carrying his team through the tournament, yet he was never vilified in the manner Lookman has been subjected to. Gasperini, as a seasoned manager, should understand that penalties are a lottery, and even the best of a player can falter. His comments, therefore, come across not as constructive feedback but as an unfair scapegoating of a player who has given so much to Atalanta.
It is particularly ironic that Lookman was the very player who delivered Gasperini his first major trophy as a professional manager, putting in a masterful performance in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. His heroics in that game secured Atalanta’s place in this season’s Champions League—a fact that Gasperini seems to have conveniently overlooked. To turn around and publicly humiliate such a player is not only ungrateful but also damaging to the morale of the team.
Gasperini’s actions re-echo the mistreatment suffered by another Nigerian star, Victor Osimhen, when Napoli’s official social media account mocked him after a missed penalty. Such incidents highlight a worrying trend where African players, despite their contributions, are subjected to undue criticism and disrespect. Lookman is not just an Atalanta player; he is a proud ambassador of Nigeria and Africa as the reigning African Footballer of the Year. Gasperini’s comments, therefore, go beyond just one player—they insult an entire nation and continent that takes pride in Lookman’s achievements.
An apology from Gasperini is not only necessary but imperative. His words were unprofessional and unwarranted, and they risk alienating a player who has been vital to Atalanta’s recent successes. Lookman deserves respect, not ridicule, and it is high time that managers, clubs, and football authorities began to ensure that players are treated with the fairness and dignity.
