Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly considering stepping down from his role amid a heated public dispute with star forward Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.
The rift between the pair, exacerbated by Atalanta’s Champions League elimination, has cast serious doubts over their futures in Bergamo.
The fallout has left the club in a precarious position, with Lookman likely to depart this summer and Napoli and Juventus closely monitoring his situation.
Barely a year after Gasperini and Lookman helped Atalanta secure the club’s first-ever major European trophy by winning the Europa League, both now appear set to leave under acrimonious circumstances.
The breaking point came in the aftermath of Atalanta’s painful Champions League exit against Club Brugge.
Lookman’s missed penalty proved costly, and Gasperini did not hold back in his post-match criticism, calling the Nigerian winger “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen. Lookman hit back the next day, accusing Gasperini of being “disrespectful.”
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Gasperini has attracted rebuke from far and near for his outburst with Juventus great Alessandro Del Piero and former Nigeria international Duke Udi knocking the veteran tactician for his crude comments.
The heat may have been too much for Gasperini as, according to journalist Gerardo Fasano of Ruleta Sport via Tutto Atalanta, the controversy nearly prompted the former Inter Milan coach to resign on the morning of February 19.
It was reported that only the intervention of Atalanta’s management, led by the Percassi family, convinced him to stay on until the end of the season.
Atalanta’s hierarchy acted swiftly to mediate the situation, urging Gasperini to remain at the helm for the remainder of the campaign. Their message was clear: maintain focus and push for a top-four Serie A finish before any major decisions are made in June.
Despite their European disappointment, Atalanta remain in contention for a Champions League spot.
However, while the ongoing internal tensions could disrupt Atalanta’s bid for a strong finish to the season, Gasperini has agreed to see out the campaign.
READ MORE: Champions League: Ademola Lookman suffers heartbreak with Atalanta as Onyedika laughs last
In the midst of the crisis, Atalanta appear to be preparing for life after Gasperini. Reports suggest that the club has initiated contact with former Napoli and Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri as a potential successor.
Sarri, who is currently without a club after his Lazio exit, is renowned for his attacking style of play—one that could align well with Atalanta’s philosophy under Gasperini. His arrival would represent a significant managerial coup for the Bergamo-based side.
Lookman’s future: Napoli and Juventus on high alert
While Atalanta contemplate a managerial change, Lookman could also be on his way out of the club in the summer.
The Nigerian forward nearly joined French giants PSG in August but he could be set to remain in Italy with Juventus and Napoli reportedly emerging as frontrunners for his signature.
Atalanta reportedly valued Lookman, who is also on the washlist of Arsenal and Liverpool, at €60 million during the last transfer window, and a similar fee could be demanded this summer.