Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has seemingly extended an olive branch, declaring “the war is over” between him and Ademola Lookman after the Nigerian striker delivered another standout performance in Atalanta’s 4-0 thrashing of Juventus on Sunday.
The two had a major fallout last month after Gasperini criticized Lookman, calling him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” following Atalanta’s Champions League exit to Club Brugge. Lookman responded by calling the Italian manager’s comments about his penalty-taking “deeply disrespectful.”
However, Gasperini put the rumors of tension between him and Lookman to rest with a kind gesture and a brief message for the Nigerian international after Lookman scored and was substituted during the dominant win over Juventus.
“Can I give you a hug, can you give me a nice smile?” Gasperini reportedly told Lookman.
Yet according to multiple Italian outlets, Gasperini has been forthcoming with his reconciliatory message even as he praised Lookman’s devotion to La Dea.
“People can have different visions, and that’s an example. He (Lookman) has become a fantastic player when he has started thinking about the team,” the 67-year-old Gasperini stated. “ He used to operate more on an individual level. We had some arguments, but always make up because he’s extraordinary.”
The former Inter Milan coach continued: “He made Atalanta great, and we made him great. 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.
“It has been given to players who weren’t better but are more attached to our city and believe that these values are important and can strengthen you. We spend 300 days together. It’s important to backtrack. “
Lookman has notched an impressive 25 goal from 31 matches in all competitions in the on-going campaign, including five goals and two assists from seven Champions League matches and 13 goals and five assists from 22 Serie A matches.
