'Deeply disrespectful' - Ademola Lookman fires back at Gian Piero Gasperini's 'worst penalty taker' criticism after Atalanta's Champions League exit as star forward claims he was 'instructed' to take spot kick vs Club Brugge

Gasperini criticised Lookman after the forward missed a crucial spot-kick in Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Club Brugge, a result that sealed their Champions League elimination in the playoffs stage with a 5-2 aggregate defeat. Lookman, who had just found the net to reduce the deficit after coming on as a second-half substitute, stepped up for the penalty but was denied by former Liverpool and Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet. The miss squandered a chance to spark a potential comeback, and Gasperini did not hold back in his post-match analysis.

Speaking to the media after the match, Gasperini expressed his frustration with Lookman’s decision to take the penalty, insisting that Charles De Ketelaere or Mateo Reteguiwere were supposed to be ahead of him in the pecking order.

"Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen," the Italian manager told reporters.

"He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all."

Following Gasperini’s comments, Lookman took to social media to voice his disappointment, describing the remarks as unfair.

"It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement - most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city," the 27-year-old wrote on Instagram. "Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo. In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.

"Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night's result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life's about challenges and turning pain into power which I'll continue to do."

Gasperini’s men currently occupy third place in the Serie A standings, trailing leaders Napoli by five points. Their next test comes on Sunday when they face Empoli, a match that could prove crucial in their push for the league title. Despite the fallout from the penalty controversy, Lookman and his team-mates will need to regroup quickly to maintain their momentum in the Italian top flight.