Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini cited fitness concerns as the reason for starting reigning injury returnee Ademola Lookman, on the bench in their UEFA Champions League exit, Footnaija.com reports.
Atalanta entered the playoff second leg determined to overturn a controversial 2-1 first-leg defeat in Belgium and gained a major boost with Lookman’s return after the Nigerian missed six games due to injury.
Despite returning to the matchday squad, Gasperini named Lookman on the substitutes’ bench, raising eyebrows with his decision, especially since the Nerazzurri were already chasing the game after their first-leg loss.
Club Brugge stormed to a three-goal lead in the first half courtesy of a Chemsdine Talbi brace inside 27 minutes before Ferran Jutgla added a stunning strike in the third minute of first half stoppage time.
Gasperini finally introduced Lookman at halftime, and the Super Eagles forward made an immediate impact, pulling one back for the hosts before having another goal disallowed for offside just ten minutes later.
The Nigeria international also missed a penalty before testing former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who delivered a stellar performance to deny the Italians a way back into the tie.
Despite Atalanta’s best efforts, they were unable to overturn their first leg deficit as Club Brugge’s ruthlessness in attack proved the difference. The match ended 3-1, summing up to a 5-2 aggregate win for the Belgian side.
Following Lookman’s impact after coming on, Gasperini faced questions regarding his decision to start the Nigerian on the bench and the Italian boss responded.
“I have more news than you do on his condition. Lookman’s first game with the team was yesterday and until a couple of days ago he struggled to kick the ball. It’s too easy to criticise when you don’t know the situation.”
After crashing out of the Champions League, Atalanta will now turn their full attention to finishing as high as possible in Serie A and secure qualification for next season’s UCL.