It was a mistake, Atalanta owner reacts to Gasperini’s harsh treatment of Lookman

Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca has defended coach Gian Piero Gasperini amid controversy surrounding his remarks on striker Ademola Lookman’s penalty-taking abilities.

Gasperini had called Lookman “one of the worst” penalty kick takers after the Nigerian missed a spot-kick against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

However, Pagliuca has downplayed the incident, saying that Gasperini made a mistake by speaking about an individual player.

“We want to put this situation behind us, and I think we have, considering the 5-0 victory [against Empoli],” Pagliuca told Gazzetta.

He continued, “These matches are always intense. We love the passion with which they are played. We have a great coach, very passionate. He made a mistake by speaking about an individual.”

Pagliuca also praised the team’s performance this season, saying that they are having an “extraordinary” season.

“The players are having an extraordinary season, we wouldn’t be where we are now without the contributions of Lookman, De Ketelaere, and the whole team,” he said.