“Worst penalty taker,” Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini lashes out at striker following failed penalty attempt

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini sharply criticized Ademola Lookman, labeling him the 'worst penalty taker', following his recent miss.

“Worst penalty taker,” Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini lashes out at striker following failed penalty attempt

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini slammed Ademola Lookman, following his recent penalty miss against Club Brugge. (via Reuters)

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini was raging after his side’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-offs. Surprisingly, Gasperini vented out his frustration on club forward Ademola Lookman, following his missed penalty.

The Italian side failed to make a comeback from the dismal 2-1 defeat that they suffered in the first-leg of the UCL play-offs against Club Brugge. In the second leg at the Stadio de Bergamo, Brugge triumphed once again, winning 5-2 on aggregate. It eventually knocked Atalanta out of the Champions League, while the Belgian club successfully made it through to the last-16 of the competition

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman was on target for the home side, against Club Burgge. However, his goal went in vain, as Atalanta had already gone 3-0 down in the first half. Moreover, the Nigerian forward was criticized for his penalty miss in the 61st minute of the match. It was awarded for Christos Tzolis‘ foul on Juan Cuadrado. His spot-kick was saved by Brugge keeper Simon Mignolet.

Among criticism was Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini, who went on to label the 27-year-old forward as the ‘worst penalty taker’ he has ever seen. He stated that Charles De Ketelaere or Mateo Retegui should have taken the spot-kick, instead. Gasperini also highlighted Lookman’s poor penalty record in training, and went on to exclaim that he did not appreciate the forward’s act of taking the ball for himself.

Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.

Gian Piero Gasperini on Ademola Lookman (H/T EuroSport)

Moreover, the 27-year-old former Everton striker responded to Gasperini’s criticism with a message on social media. While stating that the manager’s comments were deeply disrespectful, Lookman confirmed that the designated penalty taker has urged him to step up during the match.

Atalanta captain Rafael Toloi’s red card sparks outrage from manager Gian Piero Gasperini

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini slammed club captain Rafael Toloi, after the latter was sent off in the final minutes of the club’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge. The 34-year-old defender saw red, as his side crashed out of the Champions League.

Rafael Toloi red card Gian Piero Gasperini
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini slammed Rafael Toloi, following his poor sending-off against Club Brugge. (via EuroSport)

Toloi was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Brugge’s Maxim De Cuyper. As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was bumped by De Cuyper. He then attempted to throw the ball at his opponent but failed to do so, later aggressively charging towards him. Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was left disappointed at Toloi, urging him to not lose his head.

That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads. Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games.

Gian Piero Gasperini on Rafael Toloi’s red card (H/T ESPN)

Moreover, the 67-year-old manager also stated that his side must leave the Champions League with dignity, after having played against Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona. Atalanta next face Empoli in the Serie A.