Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has labelled Ademola Lookman as one of the worst penalty takers after the Nigerian striker missed a penalty in their 3-1 Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, sealing a 5-2 aggregate exit.
Lookman, who had earlier pulled one back for Atalanta, had a chance to cut Brugge’s lead but saw his penalty saved by Simon Mignolet.
Gasperini was furious after the match, claiming Lookman should never have taken the spot-kick.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty; he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini said.
“Even in training, his record is terrible. Retegui and De Ketelaere were the designated takers, but Lookman, in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring, decided to take the ball. That was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”
Lookman has a history of controversial penalties, including his infamous failed Panenka attempt for Fulham against West Ham in November 2020.
Atalanta’s struggles from the penalty spot have been a recurring issue this season. Mateo Retegui has missed two crucial penalties against Arsenal and Torino, while Mario Pasalic also failed to convert in a 2-1 loss to Torino. So far, only Retegui (two out of four) and Charles De Ketelaere have successfully converted from the spot.
Gasperini also condemned captain Rafael Toloi’s late red card after he aggressively chased Maxim de Cuyper, requiring officials to restrain him.
“That was an ugly incident, and we must never lose our heads. Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against teams like Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Barcelona.”
Atalanta became the second Italian side to exit the Champions League, following AC Milan, who were eliminated after a 1-1 draw against Feyenoord, losing 2-1 on aggregate.
