The Lookman Incident: What Happens Next for Atalanta?

Everyone is wondering what will happen next after Ademola Lookman’s social media post responding to manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s critical comments. Gasperini is known for not letting criticism slide, and the Nigerian striker’s words could complicate Atalanta’s season.

While disappointment over Champions League elimination may partly explain the tension, Atalanta now faces a situation reminiscent of the conflict between Gasperini and Alejandro “Papu” Gomez a few years ago. That incident ended with the departure of one of the fans’ most beloved and impactful players.

Unlike the Gomez situation, which relied on conflicting accounts, the current dispute is out in the open for all to see. Gasperini’s press conference remarks and Lookman’s social media response leave no room for misinterpretation.

Though Lookman could have avoided a public reply, Gasperini’s comments seem even more unfortunate. Lookman entered the match with the team already down 3-0, scored to make it 3-1 despite not being fully fit, had another goal disallowed, and took responsibility for the penalty “at the designated taker’s request.” Missing the kick is understandable, but being publicly blamed for the failed comeback is not.

Calling Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” seems particularly unfair, given he had converted all four of his previous penalties for Atalanta in official matches. The manager’s words were clearly not meant to lighten the mood, as evidenced by Lookman’s strong reaction.

While Gasperini had the right to be upset if another player was the designated penalty taker, publicly attacking Lookman is both unpleasant and counterproductive for Atalanta. The club now faces a dilemma: continue relying on one of their best players while ignoring his reaction to the manager’s criticism, or punish him and lose a key asset?

Regardless of the immediate outcome, it’s difficult to envision a long-term future at Atalanta for Lookman after this incident, especially given the club’s struggles to retain him last summer. It seems that, no matter how this situation unfolds, it will ultimately be a setback for the team.