Gasperini blasts Lookman over penalty: One thing the Atalanta boss should have done differently

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, found himself on the receiving end of harsh criticism from Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Italian gaffer couldn’t hold back after Lookman missed a crucial penalty in their UEFA Europa League clash against Club Brugge.

READ MORE: Champions League: Ademola Lookman suffers heartbreak with Atalanta as Onyedika laughs last

The Bergamo-based club suffered a 3-1 defeat at the Gewiss Stadium, which sealed a 5-2 aggregate loss that ended their European campaign.

Bayern München, Benfica, Club Brugge and Feyenoord through #UCL pic.twitter.com/CvJUYAzxbY

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2025

Lookman, who had just returned from injury, made an immediate impact by scoring within 42 seconds of coming on.

However, his missed penalty later in the game became a major talking point, with Gasperini publicly slamming the Nigerian international.

Gasperini’s Comments: Too Harsh and Unnecessary?

Following the defeat, Gasperini did not hold back in his post-match:

“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen. He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Ketelaere being available… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”

While it is understandable that a coach would be frustrated after a crucial missed penalty, Gasperini’s comments felt excessive.

It is something known to all that publicly calling out a player in such a brutal manner does little to help the team’s morale

Atalanta’s Struggles Without Lookman

It’s worth noting that Atalanta have been struggling in Lookman’s absence, where they won just one of their last seven matches before his return.

Lookman displayed his importance to the team with an immediate impact as he pulled one back in the game. Yet, instead of focusing on that, Gasperini expressed his frustration in the media.

Missed penalties happen to the best players in the world. The likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and even Atalanta’s players have all failed from the spot at some point. Lookman should not be singled out in such a brutal manner for what is a common occurrence in football.

What Gasperini Should Have Done Differently

Rather than attacking Lookman publicly, Gasperini should have handled the situation internally. Dressing room discussions, and any criticism behind closed doors, would have been far more effective.

Publicly calling out a player in such a manner only puts unnecessary pressure on him and could affect his confidence moving forward.

If Atalanta had scored the second goal, the tie would have been wide open again. Lookman took responsibility in a high-pressure moment, and while it didn’t work out, he shouldn’t be vilified for it.