By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Former Italy international, Alessandro Del Piero has backed Ademola Lookman on his rift with Atalanta manager, Gian Piero Gasperini.
Gasperini took a swipe at Lookman following his side’s exit from the UEFA Champions League.
La Dea lost 3-1 to Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge in the second leg of their play-off tie on Tuesday night.
Lookman, who scored Atalanta’s only goal of the game also missed from the penalty spot.
The Nigeria international released a statement on Wednesday declaring himself “hurt” and accusing his coach of being “disrespectful”
“It is human to make mistakes, including from the penalty spot,” said Del Piero on Sky Italia.
“Aside from the internal dynamics of that team, I would have been very upset by Gasperini’s words in the press conference. I am therefore not entirely surprised that Lookman responded that way, as he is right to do so.
“He is having an extraordinary campaign and has been put on the chopping block, which risks damaging the rest of the season. We’ll see how the team reacts.”
