The owners of Atalanta the Percassi family will later today hold a meeting with coach of the team Gian Piero Gasperini and star striker Ademola Lookman after their public row following their exit from the UEFA Champions League, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Atalanta were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by Belgium side Club Brugge, who secured a shock 3-1 win over the reigning Europa League holders.
Lookman pulled a goal back for Atalanta upon his introduction as a second half substitute, and they were later awarded a penalty and a chance to further reduce the deficit. Lookman picked up the ball and delivered a poor penalty which was comfortably saved by Simon Mignolet.
Gasperini speaking after the game said Lookman shouldn’t have taken the spot kick, and went further to say the Nigerian is the worst penalty taker he has seeing in his life.
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“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the Italian manager told a post-match press conference.
The reigning Africa player of the year replied the coach in a statement by saying he opt to take the spot kick after the designated takers asked him to take it. He lamented the manager’s harsh words which he said were disrespectful.
According to Sky Sport Italia, both President Antonio Percassi and his son, CEO Luca Percassi, will be at the training ground in Bergamo on Thursday for a face to face meeting.
They hope to calm the split that erupted between the star player and his coach following the Champions League play-off exit to Club Brugge.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
