Ademola Lookman could be looking at becoming Atalanta captain just weeks after being called the worst penalty taker ever by his manager
After weeks of tension, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini and Ademola Lookman appear to have buried the hatchet.
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This comes with the Italian coach now touting the Nigerian as a future club captain following his starring role in a 4-0 demolition of Juventus.
Lookman delivers, Gasperini embraces
Atalanta stormed into Turin and obliterated Juventus with a stunning 4-0 victory, and at the heart of the triumph was Ademola Lookman.
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Lookman has scored 13 goals this season in the League.
The Super Eagles forward put in a fantastic shift, scoring a goal before being subbed off in the 80th minute.
But what caught everyone’s attention wasn’t just his performance, it was the warm embrace between Lookman and Gasperini on the touchline, signaling a reconciliation between player and coach.
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Ademola Lookman and his Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
After the match, Gasperini said, “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 himself. He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great. I am convinced he can be the captain before the end of the season.”
Gasperini and Lookman bury the hatchet
This newfound praise comes just weeks after Gasperini harshly criticised Lookman for missing a crucial penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League, even going as far as calling him “the worst penalty taker I’ve ever seen.”
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Gian Piero Gasperini not holding back after Ademola Lookman’s penalty miss. (Photo Credit: UEFA)
The comment sparked controversy, with many questioning whether the pair’s relationship could ever be repaired.
Fast forward to the Juventus game, and the narrative has completely shifted after the pair shared a warm embrace when they met on the sidelines.
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Ademola Lookman wheels away against Juventus.
Lookman, instead of dwelling on past criticism, has responded with top performances, earning his manager’s full backing and now, even a potential leadership role within the team.
