Alessandro Del Piero Defends Ademola Lookman Amid Criticism from Gasperini
Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has come to the defence of Ademola Lookman after the Atalanta forward was publicly criticised by manager Gian Piero Gasperini following their Champions League exit.
Lookman, who has been a key player for Atalanta in recent seasons, found himself at the centre of a growing disagreement with Gasperini after the club’s surprising elimination by Club Brugge. The Belgian side, who barely made it to the knockout stages, defeated Atalanta 5-2 on aggregate.
Atalanta were favourites going into the tie, having finished ninth in the Champions League rankings, while Club Brugge was in 24th place. Even after losing 2-1 in the first leg in Belgium, many expected Atalanta to turn the result around at home.
However, the second leg in Bergamo went badly. Club Brugge took a 3-0 lead by half-time, putting Atalanta in a difficult position.
Gasperini brought on Lookman, who had just recovered from injury, at half-time. The Nigerian international made an immediate impact, scoring a goal within a minute, giving Atalanta a small hope.
Midway through the second half, Atalanta were awarded a penalty after Juan Cuadrado was fouled in the box. Lookman, who was designated to take the penalty by his teammates, stepped up but saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Atalanta never recovered, and their Champions League hopes ended in disappointment.
In the post-match press conference, Gasperini’s frustration showed. Instead of blaming his defence, which had conceded five goals across both legs, or captain Rafael Toloi, who had been sent off, the manager singled out Lookman for criticism.
Del Piero, Italy’s second-highest all-time goalscorer, was unhappy with Gasperini’s approach, warning that public criticism could harm the team’s unity.
“The mistake, like the one on the penalty kick, is human,” Del Piero said, according to Tutto Atalanta. “I wouldn’t have taken Gasperini’s words well. Lookman’s reaction today shows this. He’s having a great season, yet you put him in the spotlight, risking damaging the team. Let’s see how the squad reacts.”
Lookman responded to the criticism with a statement on social media, expressing his disappointment.
“It saddens me to write this, especially considering what we’ve achieved together as a team and as a city,” Lookman wrote. “Being singled out in the way I have feels disrespectful, especially considering the hard work and commitment I put in every day to help this club and our incredible fans.
“During the match, the designated penalty taker asked me to take the penalty, and I took responsibility. Life is about challenges, and I’ll continue to turn pain into power.”
As tensions between the player and manager rise, Atalanta’s senior management has stepped in to mediate. Reports say that high-ranking officials will visit the club’s training base in Zingonia to try to resolve the situation.
Lookman remains vital to Atalanta’s plans, having been named Player of the Season for the past two years. However, his future is now uncertain, with rumours suggesting he could leave in the summer.
Juventus, who were also knocked out of the Champions League by PSV, are reportedly interested in signing Lookman for €60 million. Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have also shown interest, and Atalanta may struggle to keep their star forward after this public fallout.
Lookman has been in superb form this season, scoring 15 goals and providing 7 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions. If the situation with Gasperini is not resolved, the Nigerian international may soon be playing elsewhere.
