Tag: Atalanta

Lookman vs Gasperini: A Close Look At Treatment Of Nigerian Footballers In Serie A

Ganiyu Amodu

There was a feeling of deja vu among Nigerian fans this week. After Atalanta were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge, their manager Gian Piero Gasperini ripped into Ademola Lookman. The Serie A side came into the second leg of the playoff tie trailing 2-1. Within the opening 45 minutes, the Belgian side were leading 3-0 and effectively out of sight. Please note that Lookman had not played any part in these 135 minutes. The Super Eagles forward was only brought on at the start of the…

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‘Deeply Disrespectful,’ Lookman Hits Back At Atalanta Manager

Ganiyu Amodu

Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has hit back at manager Gian Piero Gasperini, describing his public criticism after a missed penalty as deeply disrespectful. Lookman had failed to convert from the spot in Atalanta’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League defeat against Club Brugge on Tuesday. He came under heavy fire from Gasperini who tagged him as the “worst penalty taker” However, in a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, the Nigerian international expressed disappointment for being singled out by the Italian manager for criticism. “Being singled out in the manner I have been…

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Lookman Hits Hat-trick As Atalanta End Leverkusen Run To Win Europa League

Ganiyu Amodu

Atalanta triumphed in the Europa League final and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten streak. In a display nearing perfection Gian Piero Gasperini’s side put down a marker early in the game after winning a corner. The initial ball was cleared by Leverkusen, but David Zappacosta dribbled back into the box before picking out Ademola Lookman at the back post. Lookman’s opener increased the confidence of Atalanta who pressed high with such intensity that Leverkusen had no answer. Lookman was a nightmare for defender Edmond Tapsoba and added a second by…

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