ITALY and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has condemned manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s public attack on Nigeria international Ademola Lookman following Atalanta’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Gasperini publicly criticized the Nigerian over his penalty miss in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Nigerian forward, who had missed Atalanta’s previous six matches due to knee problems, made an immediate impact after being introduced at halftime with his side already trailing 3-0, scoring within 42 seconds to give the Italian side hope of a comeback.
However, when presented with a chance to further reduce the deficit from the penalty spot in the 61st minute, his effort was saved by former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, leading to unprecedented public criticism from his manager.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini said after the match. “He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”
The 26-year-old in an emotional statement released on Wednesday expressed his hurt at being singled out by the Italian coach.
Speaking on Sky Sport, Del Piero was unimpressed with Gasperini’s post-match statement.
“The mistake like the one on the penalty kick is human,” Del Piero said as per Tutto Atalanta.
“Regardless of the internal dynamics, I wouldn’t have taken Gasperini’s words in the post-match well. Lookman’s response today also shows this.
“He’s having an extraordinary season, and yet you put him in the pillory, also risking cracking the dressing room. Let’s see how the team reacts…”
The 66-year-old manager’s public outburst has sparked speculations that Lookman may leave Atalanta at the end of the season.
Juventus, who also suffered a Champions League exit to PSV, are reportedly keen on signing Lookman, with a €60m move under discussion.
Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have previously shown interest, and Atalanta may find it difficult to keep hold of their star forward after this public dispute.
Lookman has been in exceptional form this season, registering 15 goals and seven assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.