The UEFA Champions League playoff match between Atalanta and Club Brugge took an unexpected turn when Atalanta’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, publicly criticized Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman for missing a decisive penalty.
Referring to Lookman as “the worst penalty taker” in the aftermath of the game, Gasperini’s comments have sparked widespread debate about the appropriateness of his remarks and the treatment of African players in Italian football.
For a player of Lookman’s caliber, the public chastisement by his coach is both uncalled for and unprofessional. Penalty misses are an unfortunate but integral part of football. No coach should demean his players for such mistakes, especially in public.
Leaders are expected to uplift their teams, even in the face of disappointment. Gasperini’s outburst is a glaring example of a lapse in leadership and sportsmanship, tarnishing his reputation as a manager.
Lookman’s response to the criticism has been exemplary. Rather than engage in a war of words, the forward has maintained his composure and professionalism, a testament to his maturity and character. Such restraint under pressure only underscores his value, not just as a player but as a role model in the footballing world.
Gasperini’s remarks also raise questions about his ability to recognize and value the contributions of his players. Has he so quickly forgotten Lookman’s heroics in last season’s Europa League final? Lookman singlehandedly secured Atalanta’s first major trophy in 61 years, scoring a memorable hat trick against Bayer Leverkusen. That performance cemented his place in Atalanta’s history and demonstrated his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Beyond last season’s triumph, Lookman has been instrumental in Atalanta’s current Serie A campaign. His consistent goalscoring has kept the team in contention for the league title. To berate such a player for one mistake not only undermines his confidence but also sends a troubling message to the rest of the squad.
Unfortunately, this episode is not an isolated incident in Italian football. The treatment of Nigerian players by some clubs and coaches has been marked by ingratitude and disrespect. Victor Osimhen’s ordeal with Napoli is a prime example.
After leading the club to its first Scudetto in over three decades with 30 goals, Osimhen faced mockery and criticism for a missed penalty. His strained relationship with Napoli’s president eventually forced him to seek a loan move to Galatasaray.
Football analysts like Peter Igwe, Kenneth Uche, and Christy Umeh who spoke to INNONEWS noted this disturbing trend, arguing that African players are often scapegoated for team failures while their achievements are quickly overlooked.
As Umeh aptly stated, “Great players like Pele, Zico, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all missed penalties, but they were never publicly humiliated by their coaches.”
Lookman’s case is a stark reminder of the double standards African players face in European football. For a player who has done so much for Atalanta, Gasperini’s comments are not just a personal slight but a disservice to the club’s legacy.
Kenneth Uche suggested that Lookman should consider leaving Atalanta this summer, as Gasperini’s actions indicate a lack of respect for one of his most valuable assets.
“The time has come for clubs and managers to reevaluate their approach to handling players, especially those who have contributed significantly to their success. Public criticism and disdain only breed resentment and weaken team unity.
“Lookman, like Osimhen before him, deserves better. If Gasperini cannot recognize his worth, there will undoubtedly be other clubs eager to secure the services of such a talented and professional player” Uche concluded.
