Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has criticized Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman for his missed penalty in their 3-1 loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League knockout round play-offs.
Lookman, who had earlier scored Atalanta’s only goal, took a crucial penalty but failed to convert, dashing his team’s hopes of a comeback.
Speaking after the match on Tuesday, Gasperini expressed his displeasure with Lookman’s decision to take the penalty, stating:
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
The coach further revealed that Lookman took the spot-kick despite other designated takers being available.
“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,” Gasperini added.
The missed opportunity proved costly as Atalanta failed to overturn their deficit and were eliminated from the competition.
