Gasperini backs Lookman to be Atalanta captain after penalty feud

Atalanta head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, hailed the leadership of Super Eagles star, Ademola Olajade Lookman, in his side’s 4-0 win over Tiago Motta’s Juventus, Soccernet.ng reports.

The pair fell out after La Dea were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League play-offs stage against Club Brugge. Lookman missed a penalty in the home tie, and Gasperini labelled him the worst penalty taker he’s seen, but the Nigerian didn’t appreciate the statement.

Nonetheless, the 27-year-old has gone about his business quietly, and scored a brilliant goal last night to take Atalanta third in the Serie A.

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Lookman was taken off after 80 minutes at the Allianz Arena in Turin, and on the touchline, hugged Gasperini, meaning the pair have made up for their debacle after the penalty incident.

After the game, Gasperini mentioned Lookman is an important player for Atalanta and backed him to become the club captain in future.

“When a group spends 300 days together in a year, people can have different views. Lookman became a fantastic player when he improved his perception of the team.

“He used to have a more individual approach. He wasn’t a bad guy, but he mostly focused on the individual. He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great. I am convinced he can be the captain before the end of the season,” the 67-year-old said in Football Italia.

Atalanta are now third on the Serie A table, three points behind league leaders, Inter Milan. Lookman has now scored 18 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for La Dea this season.