Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has once again taken aim at Ademola Lookman following his team’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Empoli on Sunday.
This latest jab comes after a heated dispute between the pair last week, triggered by Lookman’s missed penalty during Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League loss to Club Brugge.
The tension was still visible against Empoli, as Lookman snubbed Gasperini when substituted and refused to confirm if their conflict had been resolved.
Speaking to the media after the match, Gasperini acknowledged Lookman’s contributions but stressed that the player also benefits from the team.
“Lookman has always been a prolific scorer since joining Atalanta. He’s become an extraordinary player, especially when he commits himself to the team,” Gasperini said. “I appreciate his connection with the fans, and that is important.”
Lookman, 27, joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022 and has flourished in Italy. He boasts an impressive tally of 49 goals and 23 assists across 107 appearances.
This marks a stark contrast to his stints in England, where he managed just four goals in 48 games for Everton, eight in 42 appearances for Leicester City, and four in 35 matches at Fulham. His time at RB Leipzig was similarly modest, with five goals in 24 outings.
Lookman’s most productive spell before Atalanta came at Charlton Athletic, where he scored 12 goals in 49 matches.
Despite his improved form, the ongoing friction with Gasperini suggests all is not entirely smooth behind the scenes at La Dea.