Nigeria legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has come to the defence of Ademola Lookman following the Nigerian forward’s public fallout with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Soccernet.ng reports.
The dispute between Lookman and Gasperini erupted after Atalanta’s shock Champions League exit against Club Brugge, with the Italian coach singling out Lookman’s missed penalty as a key reason for their elimination.
Despite Lookman scoring just 30 seconds into the second half, his penalty miss later in the game proved costly, as Atalanta crashed out with a 5-2 aggregate defeat.
However, rather than take collective responsibility for the team’s underperformance, Gasperini publicly criticised Lookman, branding him “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.
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Lookman, who had previously converted all four of his penalties for Atalanta, did not take the criticism lightly, calling his manager’s remarks “deeply disrespectful.”
Okocha, one of Nigeria’s greatest-ever players, strongly condemned Gasperini’s approach, insisting the coach had gone too far.
“I think Gasperini overreacted by calling Lookman the worst penalty taker,” Okocha said as per Mozzart Sport.
“He seems to have forgotten the incredible contributions Lookman has made to Atalanta. Many top players have missed crucial penalties without facing such harsh criticism, so why is Lookman’s case being treated differently? In my opinion, if you take Lookman out of Atalanta, the club could struggle and even risk relegation.”
Eto’o voices support for Lookman
Okocha is not the only high-profile figure to defend Lookman.
Former Barcelona and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o has also shown his support, posting a message of encouragement on social media.
“My younger brother, memory in football lasts 90 minutes—the time of a match and next.
“For us, you are and will always be our champion. Only he who has the courage to shoot can miss. Thank you for your courage, great champion.”
Samuel Eto’o, former Cameroon and Barcelona striker, has backed Ademola Lookman in his ongoing feud with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini. pic.twitter.com/XJ20mNa62P
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) February 22, 2025
Eto’o’s message echoed sentiments shared by Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero and ex-Nigeria international Duke Udi, both of whom criticised Gasperini’s handling of the situation.
Gasperini tries to ease tensions
With the controversy continuing to dominate headlines, Gasperini attempted to clarify his comments in a press conference ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A match against Empoli.
“He had an extraordinary impact, and everything that followed… My words were not meant to be offensive,” Gasperini explained.
READ MORE: Drama in Atalanta: Gasperini makes big decision amid fallout with Ademola Lookman
The Atalanta boss insisted his remarks were not intended to create division within the squad and suggested that Lookman could develop into a penalty taker.
Atalanta coach Gian Pero Gasperini has labeled Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman as the worst penalty takers following their 3-1 loss to Club Brugge—
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) February 19, 2025
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“I almost feel like there’s a desire to portray Atalanta as chaotic, but the reality is quite different,” he added. “I always speak in front of the whole team; it was never aimed at the club. He felt offended, but I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
Gasperini has named Lookman in the Atalanta squad set to face Empoli on Sunday with the Bergamo-based club keen to redirect their energy on finishing the season strong in Serie A.
