Super Eagles of Nigeria and Atalanta forward player Ademola Lookman has been named as the worst penalty-taker in the world.
The unwanted award was given to the Nigerian by his Atalanta coach, Gian Piero Gasperini after he missed a penalty in the crucial UEFA Champions League round of 16 playoffs against Club Brugge. The chances of the Serie A club were limited after the first half as they were trailing 3-0 from the first half of the second leg.
Ademola Lookman sparked hope back into the game after he scored a goal, 34 seconds after the break to bring up his 15th goal of the campaign. This goal saw him create Champions League history by scoring the fastest goal by a substitute from the start of the second half.
Lookman had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 61st minute as he looked to cut Brugge’s aggregate lead to 5-3 but he missed from the spot. Speaking after the match, Gasperini didn’t hold back his anger over Lookman stepping up to take the penalty despite scoring his four previous spot-kicks since joining the club in 2022.
What did Gian Piero Gasperini say about Ademola Lookman penalty miss?
He said it was not the responsibility of Lookman to take penalties because the team had its designated penalty taker despite helping his team win the Europa League last season.
“Lookman wasn’t supposed to take the penalty. He’s one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. Even in training he has a very low percentage, he kicks them really badly. He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite [Mateo] Retegui and [Charles] De Keteleare available to take it. I didn’t like what Lookman did.”
Atalanta will turn their attention to the Serie A and see how strong they can finish on the league table for a chance to qualify the Champions League next season.
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