Star Forward Ignores Handshake with Manager After Penalty Row Fallout
Ademola Lookman delivered a stunning performance, scoring twice in Atalanta’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Empoli, but the match was overshadowed by the visible tension between the Nigerian forward and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The duo’s strained relationship, stemming from a recent penalty controversy, was on full display as Lookman pointedly avoided shaking hands with Gasperini after being substituted.
The rift between player and coach began earlier this week following Atalanta’s Champions League play-off defeat to Club Brugge. Lookman, against the team’s agreed penalty hierarchy, insisted on taking a spot-kick, only to see it saved by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. Gasperini did not hold back in his criticism, calling Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” during a post-match press conference.
Lookman, who has been a key figure for Atalanta over the past three seasons, fired back, describing Gasperini’s comments as “disrespectful” and unfair given his contributions to the team. The tension between the two has simmered since, despite the club’s efforts to mediate through crisis talks.
In his first start since returning from a January injury, Lookman silenced his critics on the pitch with a brace in Atalanta’s dominant win. However, his substitution late in the game revealed that the off-field issues remain unresolved. As he walked off, Lookman shook hands with his teammates and assistant manager Tullio Gritti but conspicuously ignored Gasperini, who also made no effort to approach the player.
The frosty exchange suggests that the relationship between the two remains strained, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment for the club. Reports have also emerged that Atalanta had already promised to sell Lookman in the summer of 2025 after he attempted to force a move to Paris Saint-Germain last year, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
While Lookman’s performance against Empoli was a reminder of his undeniable talent, the ongoing tension with Gasperini raises questions about his future at the club. As Atalanta continues its push for success on multiple fronts, resolving this internal conflict will be crucial to maintaining team harmony and focus. For now, however, the spotlight remains firmly on the icy relationship between the star forward and his manager.
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