Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has stepped up to defend Ademola Lookman after Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini publicly blamed the Nigerian forward following their Champions League exit.
Atalanta were favorites against Club Brugge but suffered a shocking 5-2 aggregate defeat. After trailing 3-0 at halftime in the second leg, Lookman, just back from injury, was subbed on and made an instant impact, scoring within a minute. But when he stepped up to take a crucial penalty later in the match, his shot was saved by Simon Mignolet, sealing Atalanta’s fate.
Instead of addressing his team’s defensive collapse, Gasperini singled out Lookman in the post-match press conference, sparking backlash. Del Piero, unimpressed by the coach’s comments, warned that such criticism could fracture the squad.
“The penalty miss was human. I wouldn’t have taken Gasperini’s words well,” Del Piero said. “Lookman is having a great season, yet he’s being put under the spotlight unfairly.”
Lookman later responded with a heartfelt social media post, expressing disappointment at being scapegoated despite his commitment to the club.
As tensions rise, Atalanta’s management has stepped in to defuse the situation. However, with Juventus, PSG, and Liverpool reportedly circling for a potential €60 million summer move, Lookman’s future at Atalanta suddenly looks uncertain. If this rift isn’t resolved, he may soon be making headlines in a new jersey.
