Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini dismissed rumors of tension with forward Ademola Lookman through a warm gesture and brief words after the Nigerian player scored and was substituted in Atalanta’s dominant 4-0 win against Juventus on Sunday.
La Dea achieved a historic victory against the Bianconeri, inflicting Juventus’s worst home defeat since 1967. Goals were scored by Mateo Retegui, Marten De Roon, Davide Zappacosta, and Lookman.
Lookman, who had previously been involved in a public disagreement with Gasperini earlier this season following a missed penalty in a Champions League match, has recently been in good form, scoring three goals in his last three Serie A games.
Gasperini’s Words to Lookman During Atalanta’s 4-0 Victory Over Juventus
The current African Player of the Year has now contributed 25 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions this season, including five goals and two assists in seven Champions League matches, and 13 goals and five assists in 22 Serie A games.
Lookman scored in the 77th minute against Juventus on Sunday and was substituted in the 80th minute, with the score already 4-0 for Atalanta.
According to reports, Gasperini said to Lookman: “Can I give you a hug, can you give me a nice smile?” This led to a heartfelt hug between the coach and player on the sidelines.