Atalanta co-owner Stephen Pagliuca admits Gian Piero Gasperini’ made a mistake’ with his remarks on Ademola Lookman but insists the Italian is a ‘great, passionate coach.’

Gasperini and Lookman argued off the pitch last week when the Italian tactician called his striker “one of the worst” penalty kick takers after seeing him miss a spot-kick against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

“We want to put this situation behind us, and I think we have, considering the 5-0 victory [against Empoli],” Pagliuca told Gazzetta.

“These matches are always intense. We love the passion with which they are played. We have a great coach, very passionate. He made a mistake by speaking about an individual. At Atalanta, with the Percassi family, we have a policy: if things go wrong, we take responsibility. We look at ourselves and how to improve.

“The players are having an extraordinary season. We wouldn’t be where we are now without the contributions of Lookman, De Ketelaere, and the whole team. I should name them all. We faced Brugge without five key players, all injured. Gasperini’s reaction was emotional and unfortunate, and it was a mistake that went against our policy, something we are not proud of. But I repeat, Gasp remains a great coach.”

Gasperini has also said he would not sign a new contract extension with Atalanta, meaning he would leave in 2026 or at the end of the current campaign.

“This is something Luca Percassi will handle,” said Pagliuca.

“He takes care of these matters. We will do whatever Gasp believes is the best solution for him.”


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