Ademola Lookman’s return from injury took a dramatic turn when he found himself at the centre of controversy during Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge.
While the Super Eagles star made an instant impact by scoring just seconds after coming on, his night took a negative turn with a missed penalty, Footballrover reports.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini did not hold back his criticism, openly questioning Lookman’s decision to take the spot kick.
Atalanta coach slams Lookman’s penalty decision
Speaking after Atalanta’s 3-1 home defeat, Gasperini voiced his frustration over Lookman’s penalty attempt.
Atalanta coach criticised the Nigerian forward for taking a penalty despite better options, calling him the worst taker he’s ever seen.
“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 Keteleare available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did,” Gasperini said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
Lookman, who had just reignited Atalanta’s hopes with a quick goal, insisted on taking the crucial penalty.
However, his effort was saved by Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, dealing a major blow to Atalanta’s comeback ambitions.
Gasperini’s harsh words suggest that Lookman’s decision disrupted the team’s strategy and potentially cost them momentum.
Missed penalty adds to Atalanta’s frustration
The missed penalty capped off a disappointing night for Atalanta, who were knocked out of the UCL after a 5-2 aggregate loss.
The missed penalty obviously hurt the team’s chances of pulling through to the next stage, but the open statement from the Atalanta boss was just uncalled for, considering the winger’s drive and determination to see his team bounce back.
That missed penalty might remind fans of Lookman’s Premier League days, where he infamously failed a crucial spot-kick for Fulham.
His failed Panenka attempt against West Ham in November 2020 remains a memorable moment in football history.
Lookman botched a last-minute Panenka penalty with Fulham trailing 3-2 in the 98th minute.
However, Atalanta’s struggles from the spot are nothing new, as they have had a poor penalty record this season, including against Arsenal.
With Gasperini’s public criticism, Ademola’s future role in Atalanta’s penalty-taking hierarchy will remain uncertain.
The Nigerian winger will now aim to bounce back and prove his reliability as the team shifts focus to domestic competitions.
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