Atalanta’s Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly been given the green light to leave the club if he chooses to do so, following a heated exchange with Nigerian star Ademola Lookman.
This development comes after a tumultuous week that saw Gasperini publicly criticise Lookman for taking a penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Gasperini suggested that other players were better suited for the task, prompting Lookman to respond, expressing that Gasperini’s comments were “deeply disrespectful and hurtful.” The public spat has led to speculation about Gasperini’s future at the club.
In response to the situation, Atalanta’s CEO Luca Percassi emphasized the club’s respect for Gasperini’s decision-making process.
“We’ve been with the coach for nine years, so these are matters we only ever addressed at the end of the season and not this early. It is because of our great rapport and affection for him that we will respect it if his decision is to not renew the contract. We will understand and have to deal with it,” Percassi stated.
Gasperini’s contract is set to expire in June 2025, although it has an option to extend until 2026. The coach had hinted that he would not renew his contract, and with the club’s management giving him the freedom to leave.
