Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed he will step down at the end of the season, following rising tensions with Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman.
The 66-year-old, who has been at the helm since 2016, announced his decision during a press conference on Tuesday, signaling the end of an era for the Bergamo-based club.
The announcement comes in the wake of a strained relationship between Gasperini and Lookman, which reportedly intensified in recent weeks.
“The AI says we will win the Scudetto in 2033? Great, but that won’t be the case for me anymore,” Gasperini said. “There is a beginning and an end to everything.
There will be no renewals or continuity. At the end of the season, we will see if it’s time for the contracts to expire or not.”
His statement left little room for ambiguity, confirming that his departure is set in stone regardless of how the remainder of the season unfolds.
Tensions Boil Over with Lookman
The fallout between Gasperini and Lookman has been a key factor behind the manager’s decision to leave.
While the specifics of their disagreement remain undisclosed, sources close to the club suggest that on-pitch decisions and tactical differences strained the relationship.
Lookman, who has been one of Atalanta’s standout performers since joining from RB Leipzig, reportedly felt sidelined in recent fixtures, leading to visible friction with the coach.
Despite the tensions, both Gasperini and Lookman still have 13 Serie A matches ahead of them, offering a narrow window for reconciliation.
With three months left in the campaign, the hope among Atalanta supporters is that the pair can put differences aside in pursuit of a strong finish.
Legacy of Success and the Road Ahead
Under Gasperini’s leadership, Atalanta transformed into one of Italy’s most dynamic clubs, consistently challenging for European places and earning widespread admiration for their attacking style of play.
Last season’s Europa League triumph marked a significant high point, giving the club its first major continental trophy.
However, this season has been more turbulent. Despite maintaining a respectable position in Serie A, internal conflicts and inconsistency on the pitch have cast a shadow over the campaign.
Gasperini’s decision to announce his exit now adds further uncertainty to Atalanta’s future.
For Ademola Lookman, the next few months are equally pivotal. The Nigerian international has been a key figure in Atalanta’s attack, with his pace and creativity contributing significantly to their successes.
But with the manager set to depart, Lookman could find himself at a crossroads regarding his long-term future with the club.
A Final Push for Glory?
With the clock ticking on Gasperini’s tenure, the focus now shifts to how the team will respond.
There remains the potential for a fairy-tale ending if Atalanta can rally behind their outgoing coach and secure another piece of silverware or finish high in Serie A.
Gasperini, for his part, remains committed to seeing out the season with professionalism.
“We still have objectives to fight for,” he noted. “The players know what’s at stake, and I expect everyone to give their best until the very end.”
Whether or not that includes a harmonious partnership with Lookman remains to be seen.
But for now, Atalanta’s future hangs delicately in the balance as one of its most defining chapters nears its end.
