Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has shown support for reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, following scathing criticism from Gian Piero Giasperini in the aftermath of Atalanta’s UCL exit.
Atalanta were outclassed and eliminated by Belgian side Club Brugge 5-2 on aggregate on Tuesday night, after losing 3-1 in the second leg in Bergamo, with Giasperini blasting Lookman for missing a spot kick at a crucial point in the game.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the Italian manager said after the match.
Del Piero who played in the Italian Serie A for Juventus between 1993 and 2012, has criticized the manager for his comments, believing it could provoke the balance in the dressing room.
“The mistake like the one on the penalty kick is human,” Del Piero said.
“Regardless of the internal dynamics, I wouldn’t have taken Gasperini’s words in the post-match well. Lookman’s response today also shows this.
He’s having an extraordinary season, and yet you put him in the pillory, also risking cracking the dressing room. Let’s see how the team reacts…”, he added.
Lookman who has been awarded Atalanta’s player of the season for two consecutive years, has also defended himself after the public criticism and the Super Eagles star could be set for a move away from the club in the summer if the issue is not properly resolved.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
