Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has attributed his decision to start reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman from the bench to fitness issue, after the Italian side crashed out of the UEFA Champions League.
La Dea came into the playoffs second leg needing to overturn the controversial 2-1 defeat suffered in Belgium in the first leg, and were given a boost as the Super Eagles star made a return to the team for the first time in six games.
The Belgian side raced into a three-goal lead at halftime, as a brace from Chemsdine Talbi and a brilliant strike from Ferran Jutgla gave the Europa League champions a difficult task to overcome.
Nigerian winger Lookman came into the fray at halftime, and made an immediate impact pulling one back for the hosts before having another strike ruled out for offside.
“I have more news than you do on his condition. Lookman’s first game with the team was yesterday and until a couple of days ago he struggled to kick the ball. It’s too easy to criticise when you don’t know the situation”, Gasperini said after the match.
The former Everton forward also missed a spot kick before forcing saves from former Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, who was superb as the Italian side crashed out of the competition in the first knockout phase.
Lookman will hope his brilliant cameo is enough to guarantee a start when Atalanta travel to Empoli in the Italian Serie A on Sunday.
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.
