'I didn’t want to offend Lookman' – Gasperini clarifies 'worst penalty taker' remark on Nigerian

Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has clarified his comments regarding Ademola Lookman’s missed penalty in their Champions League exit against Club Brugge.

Following Atalanta’s 3-1 defeat (5-2 aggregate), Gasperini had criticized Lookman’s decision to take the penalty, stating that designated takers Charles De Ketelaere or Mateo Retegui should have stepped up instead.

He described Lookman as “one of the worst penalty takers” based on training performances.

Lookman responded on social media, calling the remarks “deeply disrespectful.” Gasperini later addressed the issue, saying, “I didn’t want to offend anyone. Ademola has exceptional skills and can become our first penalty taker if he improves in training.”

Atalanta now shifts focus to their upcoming Serie A clash against Empoli.