Why Atalanta Coach Bench Ademola Lookman Against Inter Milan

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini explained that he rested Ademola Lookman in the Supercoppa Italia semifinal against Inter Milan due to the team’s busy schedule.

Atalanta played against Serie A champions Inter Milan in the semifinal. Gasperini made the surprising decision to bench several regular players, including Lookman, Ederson, and Charles De Ketelaere.

The first half ended 0-0, but both teams had many chances to score. In the second half, Denzel Dumfries scored twice for Inter Milan, putting them 2-0 up. Gasperini then made changes, bringing on Lookman, Ederson, and De Ketelaere in the 56th minute. Atalanta thought they scored a goal in the 72nd minute, but it was ruled offside. Lookman also had a chance in the 90th minute, but his shot was saved.

After the game, Gasperini was asked why he didn’t start his key players. He explained that with so many matches coming up, he needed to rotate the team. He said, “De Ketelaere and Lookman cannot always play 90 minutes. All the players I used are from the first team.”

This loss to Inter was Atalanta’s first defeat since September 2024.