After Atalanta's painful defeat against Club Brugge in the Champions League, tensions ran high in Bergamo. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini made remarks that did not sit well with star player Ademola Lookman, who responded against Empoli by letting his feet do the talking.
Atalanta’s European ambitions came to a crashing halt after their disappointing 1-3 home defeat to Club Brugge, a result that not only ended their Champions League journey but also created tension within the squad.
One of the major talking points from the game was Ademola Lookman’s missed penalty, an opportunity that could have shifted the momentum in Atalanta’s favor. Instead, his effort was comfortably saved by Simon Mignolet, and Atalanta never recovered from the setback.
After the match, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini did not hold back in his assessment of Lookman’s penalty-taking abilities. "He is the worst penalty taker I have ever seen," the Italian manager said bluntly during his post-match press conference. "Even in training, he barely scores. He shoots very poorly." The harsh criticism raised eyebrows, not only within the squad but also among the fans and media. While managers often critique players behind closed doors, Gasperini’s public comments about one of his key attacking players were seen by many as unnecessary and potentially damaging to the team’s morale.
Lookman, who has been a vital player for Atalanta this season, did not immediately respond verbally to his coach’s remarks. Instead, he took to social media, subtly expressing his displeasure with a cryptic post that many interpreted as a message of determination. The English forward, known for his resilience and strong mentality, did not dwell on the criticism for long. Instead, he focused on proving his worth where it matters the most on the pitch.
Atalanta’s response to their European exit was emphatic. Just days after the disappointment, they returned to Serie A action, where they have been enjoying a much more positive campaign. On Sunday evening, they delivered one of their most dominant performances of the season, demolishing Empoli 0-5 in an away fixture that showcased their attacking power and defensive solidity.
Lookman was the standout performer, delivering a statement performance that silenced any doubts about his abilities. He found the net twice, displaying his finishing skills with clinical precision. His first goal came from a well-timed run into the box, where he calmly slotted the ball past the Empoli goalkeeper. His second was a stunning strike that left no chance for the opposition, demonstrating his ability to deliver in big moments. It was a clear response to Gasperini’s harsh words rather than argue, Lookman let his football do the talking.
Beyond Lookman’s contribution, Atalanta looked like a team on a mission. Captain Marten de Roon played a pivotal role in midfield, controlling the tempo and ensuring that Empoli never got a foothold in the game. The defensive unit, often criticized earlier in the season, was rock solid, keeping a clean sheet and neutralizing any potential threats from the home side.
With this dominant victory, Atalanta further strengthened their position in the Serie A standings. They now sit just three points behind league leaders Inter Milan, putting themselves firmly in the title race. More importantly, they have created a significant gap over fourth-placed Lazio, now leading them by seven points.
The contrast between their Champions League disappointment and their league resurgence highlights the unpredictable nature of football. One week, Atalanta were struggling to find answers in Europe; the next, they were delivering a performance that reaffirmed their status as one of Italy’s top teams.
As for Lookman, his response was exactly what any top player should aim for he did not engage in a war of words with his manager but instead delivered a performance that spoke volumes. Whether Gasperini will reconsider his opinion on Lookman’s abilities remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the English forward has proven he is a key figure in Atalanta’s pursuit of silverware.
With crucial fixtures ahead, including matchups against their direct rivals in the title race, Atalanta will need more performances like this. If Lookman and his teammates can maintain this level of intensity, their Champions League heartbreak could be quickly forgotten, replaced instead by the dream of lifting a domestic trophy at the end of the season.
