‘One of the worst takers ever’ — Atalanta coach slams Lookman over penalty miss

Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta manager, has described Ademola Lookman as “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen”. 

The coach was reacting to Lookman’s penalty miss in Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Club Brugge in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) play-off clash.

Lookman, a half-time substitute, scored just seconds after returning from a knee injury that had ruled him out since January.

Atalanta had conceded three goals before Lookman was introduced, and his strike reinvigorated the team’s performance.

The 27-year-old’s heroics took an undesirable turn in the 61st minute after Simon Mignolet, Club Brugge goalkeeper, saved his tame penalty.

Atalanta’s momentum plummeted, and they crashed out of the UCL with a 5-2 aggregate scoreline.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Gasperini said Lookman should have left the penalty for his teammates, who are more prolific from the spot.

He added that African Footballer of the Year plays penalties “badly, even in training”.

“He shouldn’t have taken it; he’s one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen,” the manager said.

“The penalty takers were De Ketelaere and Retegui, but he was obviously euphoric and there was this episode. We could have missed it with someone else, but it wasn’t a nice gesture. The game faded a bit there, but that wasn’t a nice gesture either.”

Lookman has scored 15 goals in all competitions for Atalanta this season. The Italian club won just one of four games when Lookman was out injured.