Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero has come to the defence of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman following the player’s fallout with Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
The tension between the two emerged after Atalanta’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge, a loss that resulted in the club’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League.
The clash between Lookman and Gasperini intensified when the coach publicly criticised the Nigerian forward for missing a crucial penalty during the match.
Gasperini’s harsh comments reportedly left Lookman feeling “hurt” and “disrespected,” leading to friction within the team.
Speaking on Sky Italia, Del Piero expressed sympathy for Lookman, defending the player’s right to make mistakes, especially under high-pressure situations like a Champions League knockout match.
“It’s human to make mistakes, even from the penalty spot,” Del Piero stated. “I understand why Lookman felt deeply upset by Gasperini’s comments in the press conference. In moments like these, players need support, not criticism.”
Lookman’s Standout Season Overshadowed by Conflict
Despite the fallout, Lookman has been a standout performer for Atalanta this season. His pace, creativity, and eye for goal have been central to the club’s attacking strategy.
Del Piero was quick to highlight Lookman’s contributions, warning that public criticism could negatively impact both the player and the team’s momentum for the remainder of the season.
“Lookman has been one of Atalanta’s most reliable players this season,” Del Piero added. “Situations like this can affect a player’s confidence and, by extension, the entire squad. It will be crucial to see how Atalanta reacts going forward.”
The fallout comes at a critical juncture in Atalanta’s campaign, with the club still in the hunt for European qualification in Serie A. Internal discord could derail those ambitions if not managed carefully.
Gasperini’s Approach Under Scrutiny
While Gasperini is known for his tactical brilliance and ability to develop players, he has also been criticised in the past for his uncompromising approach to man-management.
His public calling out of Lookman has reignited debates over whether his confrontational style sometimes harms team harmony.
Though Gasperini has yet to offer a public response to Del Piero’s comments, the pressure is mounting for the Atalanta coach to smooth over tensions within his squad.
Fans and pundits alike have urged him to find common ground with Lookman, given the forward’s importance to the team’s attacking setup.
The Road Ahead for Atalanta and Lookman
For Lookman, the support from a football icon like Del Piero may offer some relief amid a turbulent period. However, the real challenge remains within Atalanta’s dressing room, where harmony and focus will be essential if the club hopes to finish the season strong.
Whether Gasperini chooses to reconcile with Lookman or stand by his criticism remains to be seen, but as Del Piero cautioned, the outcome of this internal dispute could shape the trajectory of Atalanta’s season.
