Gian Piero Gasperini reveals real reason he substituted Super Eagles star at halftime on first Serie A start

The Nigeria worldwide solely lasted for 45 minutes as Atalanta stumbled to a slim win at Hellas Verona on Sunday

Atalanta BC supervisor Gian Piero Gasperini has shed extra mild on why he took off Tremendous Eagles winger Ademola Lookman at halftime throughout his aspect’s slim 1-0 win at Verona.

Newly signed from RB Leipzig this summer time, Lookman impressed on his Serie A debut on August 13.

The Nigerian attacker got here off the bench with 27 minutes left on the clock to seize his first purpose within the 2-0 win at Sampdoria.

Lookman was additionally a late substitute in Atalanta’s 1-1 dwelling draw with AC Milan on matchday two.

The previous Leicester Metropolis loanee confirmed he was prepared for his first begin for Atalanta when he discovered the web in a 3-1 pleasant win over decrease league aspect Sporting Franciacorta final week.

And head coach Gasperini obliged him, handing the quantity 11 a beginning spot at Verona.

However Atalanta had been removed from their greatest within the opening half, with Lookman not masking himself in glory along with his efficiency.

The 24-year-old accomplished solely 67 % of his passes and misplaced possession seven instances because the Goddesses had been held to a goalless draw on the interval.

Lookman’s show didn’t impress coach Gasperini, and the supervisor hauled the winger off at halftime.

Gasperini admits after the encounter that Lookman has carried out creditably since he joined Atalanta.

However the veteran Italian supervisor insists he needed to substitute the attacker as a result of he was not environment friendly with the ball.

“Three gamers have arrived within the final ten days,” Gasperini stated.

“Lookman had finished properly within the segments he entered. Maybe right this moment, he was a bit excited. He misplaced lots of balls, and in addition for that we had been unable to restart him within the first half.”

Colombian striker Luis Muriel changed Lookman at halftime, but it surely was Teun Koopmeiners who netted the decisive winner 5 minutes after the break.

With two wins and a draw from their opening three league video games, Atalanta sit joint-top of the Italian Serie A desk.