Journalist Shares Major Reason Lookman and Gasperini’s Relationship May Be Damaged
- Lookman and Gasperini clashed after a missed penalty in the Champions League led to harsh public criticism
- Despite tension, the Super Eagles forward has scored 13 goals in 25 Serie A games this season for Atalanta
- A Journalist based in Italy suggests PSG's interest and Lookman's reaction may have kick-started the situation
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The relationship between Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman and Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini may be on thin ice after a reported fallout earlier in the season.
Tensions first came to light when Gasperini, following a UEFA Champions League loss to Club Brugge, publicly criticised Lookman, calling him “the worst penalty taker” he had ever seen.
Source: Getty Images
Lookman had been subbed on in the second half of that match, scoring just 42 seconds after his introduction, per Sky Sports.
However, his missed penalty in the 61st minute overshadowed his earlier impact, prompting the coach’s harsh remarks.
In response, Lookman issued a statement expressing his disappointment and described the criticism as “disrespectful,” believing he was unfairly singled out for the loss.
Lookman’s stellar form this season
Despite the tension, Lookman has continued to deliver for Atalanta on the pitch.
The 27-year-old winger, who joined the Serie A club from Leicester City in 2022 for €15 million, has enjoyed a standout 2024/25 campaign.
According to Transfermarkt, Lookman has scored 13 goals in 25 league appearances, proving to be one of Atalanta’s most reliable attacking threats.
The winger’s form has attracted interest from major European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, with reports suggesting Atalanta would be open to letting him go for a €60 million offer, Tribal Football reports.
As transfer speculations heat up, many believe either Lookman or Gasperini – or both – could part ways with Atalanta at the end of the season.
Reason behind Lookman and Gasperini's tensions
A journalist who covers the Serie A regularly has offered further insight into the deteriorating relationship between Lookman and Gasperini.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking anonymously to Legit.ng, hinted that the breakdown may have been triggered by Lookman’s behaviour during the last summer transfer window.
It was reported that Lookman skipped training amid strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
“Some of it is his own doing, perhaps regarding the interest shown by PSG at the beginning of the season.
“Lookman has blossomed under Gasperini, but he [Gasperini] can be a demanding coach who doesn’t tolerate prima donnas,” he added.
Gasperini’s well-known disciplinarian style and Lookman’s growing star status may have clashed, resulting in a professional relationship now held together more by necessity than trust.
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on how Atalanta manages this situation and whether Lookman’s time in Bergamo is coming to an end.
Atalanta demand ₦100 billion for Lookman
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Atalanta have reportedly placed a hefty €60 million (approximately ₦100 billion) price tag on Ademola Lookman.
Atalanta sees this as a strategy to ward off potential suitors or at least ensure the Italian club receives top value for one of their standout stars.
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Source: Legit.ng
