The Nigeria international was the best player on the pitch for the Black & Blues until he was replaced by the Italian manager
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has backed the decision to substitute Ademola Lookman in the second half of the club’s 3-2 win over AC Milan in Bergamo on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports. .
Lookman was Atalanta’s most noticeable player in Bergamo as the home team sought their seventh league win of the season.
The Super Eagles winger scored two goals for Atalanta and was on his way to scoring his first Serie A hat-trick since arriving in Italy last year.
However, coach Gasperini removed Lookman in the 82nd minute and replaced him with Luis Muriel.
Atalanta fans booed the manager and the Colombian striker and expressed their displeasure at the substitution.
Interestingly, Muriel scored the winning goal with a stylish backheel shot in the final minute of the match. Gasperini believes Atalanta fans will think twice before kicking Muriel out next.
In the post-match press conference monitored by Tuttosport, Gasperini said:
“Lookman’s successor? There were a few whistles, but Muriel was good at turning them into applause.
“He scored an extraordinary goal. Next time I’ll think twice about booing him. He often scores these goals in training. I’m very happy for him. ”
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But Lookman was undoubtedly Atalanta’s best player of the afternoon.
The former Everton striker headed Atalanta’s opener in the first half, then scored his team’s second from close range at the start of the second half.
The Milan goalkeeper prevented the third goal with a brilliant one-handed save, but his dribbling and unpredictability created many anxious moments for the visitors.
And Gasperini praised the Nigerian import, saying if he can play every game like he did against Milan, the 26-year-old will become an unstoppable beast.
‘Did Lookman say he’s never worked so hard before?’He didn’t do anything at that time (lol),” said the Italian coach.
“He can’t play like he did tonight every game. Otherwise he’ll become a monster.” We need to understand that good days won’t always follow. , must be able to contribute to the team. I think he is. he’s a good guy ”
Lookman has played 15 games in Serie A this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists. Last season, the former Leicester City star played 31 league games for Atalanta where he scored 13 goals and provided eight assists.
