Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reconciled with forward Ademola Lookman after a public rift. The coach praised Lookman’s growth and confirmed the Nigerian player will wear the captain’s armband before the season ends. Lookman has scored 18 goals and provided 7 assists in 31 appearances this season.
Atalanta’s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has confirmed that he and forward Ademola Lookman have mended their relationship following a brief fallout earlier in the season. The disagreement stemmed from Gasperini’s sharp criticism of Lookman after he missed a penalty in a high-stakes UEFA Champions League match, which left the player visibly frustrated. The situation led to a period of tension, but Gasperini has now revealed that they have moved past their differences.
In a recent interview, Gasperini explained that while the two have had disagreements in the past, they’ve always found a way to reconcile. "He and I have clashes, but then we make up because he is an extraordinary player," Gasperini said. "Sometimes, he shows a bit of individualism, but he has truly embraced Atalanta over the years."
The coach further emphasized Lookman’s growth at the club, both on and off the pitch. "Before the end of the season, he will also wear the captain’s armband, which is a great gesture," Gasperini added, acknowledging the player’s importance to the team. This gesture signifies Lookman’s deepening connection with the club and its fans.
Gasperini’s comments also reflected on his evolving relationship with the team as a whole. "We live together for 300 days a year, and the important thing is to retrace your steps," he noted, drawing a parallel to his previous reconciliation with former player Papu Gómez. “With Papu now, we are very good friends again, and that’s part of life.”
In his remarks, Gasperini also highlighted how Lookman’s focus on teamwork has elevated his game. "Lookman became a fantastic player when he thought more about the team," the coach said. "He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great."
As the season progresses, it appears that the dynamic between Gasperini and Lookman has turned a corner, with both men now working together to achieve more success for Atalanta. For Lookman, this partnership represents a new chapter in his career at the Italian club, one in which his individual brilliance and team spirit are aligned for the common goal.
