Atalanta Coach, Gasperini Clarifies Offensive Words Used on Lookman After Serious Controversy

Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA OTN News reports that the Atalanta coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has said that he didn’t intend to offend Ademola Lookman with his comment after their UEFA Champions League loss to Club Brugge on Tuesday.

OTN News further reports that this turnaround is coming after Lookman’s reaction to the criticism of being disrespected.

OTN News recalls that Lookman who had been on the sidelines with injury returned to the pitch for the said game, and scored immediately after his introduction. 

However, he missed a penalty later on in the game, and they eventually lost 5-2 on aggregate, which drew Gasperini’s anger, making him describing Lookman as the worst penalty taker he has seen.

Subsequently, Lookman reacted, and following his reaction to the criticism of being disrespected, Gasperini has now said he never intended to offend the Nigerian international and current best footballer in Africa.

He said, “Lookman felt offended, but I didn’t want to offend anyone. He entered with fantastic approach against Club Brugge.

“If he starts training to improve on penalties… with his exceptional skills Ademola can become our first penalty taker.” Gasperini said

OTN News observes that Atalanta currently occupy the third position on the Serie A table and have a league tie against Empoli on Sunday.