Atalanta Coach Admits Mistake in Substituting Ademola Lookman

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has admitted he made a mistake by substituting Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman instead of Brazilian midfielder Ederson during their 1-0 loss to Lazio on Sunday.

The Serie A clash, which took place at the Gewiss Stadium, ended in disappointment for Atalanta as they suffered their seventh defeat of the season. Despite playing well for most of the match, a goal from Gustav Isaksen was enough to give Lazio all three points.

Lookman, who has been one of Atalanta’s most reliable players this season, started the game but was taken off after 74 minutes. He looked unhappy as he left the pitch.

Speaking after the match, Gasperini explained that there was a mix-up with the substitution. He had meant to take off Ederson, but the fourth official was given the wrong shirt number.

“It was a mistake,” Gasperini said. “We intended to bring off Ederson, not Lookman.”

The defeat leaves Atalanta in third place on the Serie A table, ten points behind leaders Inter Milan. However, their Champions League hopes are not secure yet, as they are only two points ahead of fifth-place Juventus.

With tough fixtures ahead, Atalanta must stay focused if they want to hold on to a top-four finish.