Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has taken a swipe at Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini for attacking the Italian club's Nigerian star Ademola Lookman. The ex-Italian international came to the defence of Lookman after the forward was publicly criticised by manager Gasperini following their UEFA Champions League elimination.
Lookman found himself at the centre of a growing rift with Gasperini after he missed a crucial penalty in the second leg that sent Atalanta out against Club Brugge via a 5-2 aggregate score line.
Gasperini turned to Lookman, who had just returned from injury, at the break. The Nigerian international made an instant impact, scoring within a minute to offer a glimmer of hope. In the post-match press conference, Gasperini vented over Lookman’s penalty miss. However Del Piero, Italy’s second-highest all-time goalscorer, was unimpressed with Gasperini’s handling of the situation.
“The mistake like the one on the penalty kick is human,” Del Piero said as per Tutto Atalanta.
“Regardless of the internal dynamics, I wouldn’t have taken Gasperini’s words in the post-match well. Lookman’s response today also shows this. He’s having an extraordinary season, and yet you put him in the pillory, also risking cracking the dressing room. Let’s see how the team reacts.”
Lookman has been in exceptional form this season, registering 15 goals and seven assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
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