“He made a mistake” – Atalanta reveal why Gasperini was wrong in Lookman rift

Atalanta’s top brass have thrown their full support behind Ademola Lookman, distancing themselves from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini after his scathing public criticism of the Nigerian forward, Footynaija.com reports.

Co-president Stephen Gerard Pagliuca and CEO Luca Percassi have made their position clear, reinforcing Lookman’s importance to the club and effectively undermining Gasperini’s authority in a rare show of internal division.

The rift began after Lookman missed a decisive penalty in Atalanta’s Champions League elimination, prompting Gasperini to brand him “the worst penalty taker” he had ever seen. The remark, seen by many as unnecessarily harsh, sparked backlash both inside and outside the club, forcing the hierarchy to intervene.

Atalanta chief Percassi has now made it clear that Gasperini was wrong to single out Lookman for blame in public.

“We have a great coach, very passionate. He made a mistake when he spoke about an individual, because at Atalanta we have a policy: if things go badly, we take the blame, we look at ourselves, at how to do better,” Pagliuca told Gazzetta dello Sport.

CEO Percassi echoed this sentiment, stressing the collective effort behind Atalanta’s strong campaign while directly highlighting Lookman’s contribution.

“The players are having an extraordinary season, we wouldn’t be where we are now if it weren’t like that, without the contribution of Lookman, De Ketelaere… The whole team, I should name them all,” he said.

Gasperini, who has been the architect of Atalanta’s rise in recent years, suddenly finds himself on shaky ground. Once an untouchable figure in Bergamo, his public rebuke of Lookman and the club’s reaction suggest a power shift that could lead to an early exit.

Despite having a contract until 2026, Gasperini hinted on Monday that his time at the club may be drawing to a close. If Atalanta fail to secure Champions League football, this saga may well mark the beginning of the end for his tenure.

Lookman could also be on his way out of Atalanta with a return to England a likely proposition.

The Nigeria international valued at sixty million euros is on the radar of several Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool.

The former Fulham and Everton star could also remain in Italy where he has shone like a million stars with Juventus and Napoli reportedly keen.