Atalanta’s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has announced plans to bestow the captain’s armband upon Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman before the conclusion of the current season.
This decision signifies a remarkable turnaround in their relationship, which had recently been strained due to a missed penalty incident.
The tension between Gasperini and Lookman arose following Atalanta’s unexpected exit from the Champions League after a defeat to Club Brugge.
Lookman’s missed penalty during that match led to public criticism from Gasperini, who labeled him “the worst penalty-taker he has ever seen.”
This comment did not sit well with Lookman, resulting in a public exchange that fueled speculation about the player’s future at the club.
However, in a recent interview with DAZN, Gasperini expressed a change of heart, highlighting Lookman’s growth and commitment to the team.
He stated, “He has become a fantastic player when he has started thinking about the team. He used to operate more on an individual level. We had some arguments, but always make up because he’s extraordinary.”
Gasperini further emphasized Lookman’s integral role in Atalanta’s success, mentioning that the player “made Atalanta great, and we made him great.”
The coach’s decision to grant Lookman the captain’s armband is seen as a gesture to solidify the player’s bond with the club.
Gasperini remarked, “I’m convinced he’ll be able to wear the captain’s armband before the end of the season, so this team will be tattooed on his skin. It would be a great gesture.”
This development has been well-received by fans, especially considering Lookman’s pivotal role in Atalanta’s recent 4-0 victory over Juventus. The Nigerian forward’s performance in that match demonstrated his resilience and value to the team, further justifying Gasperini’s decision.
Despite the earlier discord, Gasperini acknowledged that disagreements are a natural part of the sport, stating, “We spend 300 days together. It’s important to backtrack. For instance, Papu Gomez and I are very friendly now. It’s part of life.”
As Atalanta continues its pursuit of the Serie A title, Gasperini remains optimistic yet grounded. He described the Scudetto as “still a dream and an impossible thing,” but emphasized the importance of belief to make it possible.
