National Teams
Zappacosta pleased with Gasperini and Lookman’s reconciliation after tension
By Monsurah Olatunji
Davide Zappacosta has expressed his satisfaction with the recent reconciliation between Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and forward Ademola Lookman, following weeks of tension over a penalty incident earlier in the season.
The rift between the two began after Lookman took a penalty during Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League playoff on February 18.
Gasperini publicly criticized Lookman, describing him as “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
The following day, Lookman responded angrily, accusing the coach of disrespect. This led Atalanta to hold an emergency meeting to address the situation and ensure it did not affect the team’s performance.
However, the dispute was resolved in dramatic fashion last week, when Lookman and Gasperini shared an emotional embrace on the sidelines during Atalanta’s dominant 4-0 win over Juventus, signaling the end of their differences.
Zappacosta, a key figure in the Atalanta squad, welcomed the resolution, calling it a positive moment for the team.
“It was a nice gesture from both,” Zappacosta told Gazzetta. “But the coach put it well: it was something that started and ended there, football things when you spend so many days together.”
The Italian defender, who is having one of his best seasons with four goals and three assists in 21 Serie A appearances, believes the team can now move forward stronger, with the tension behind them.
The reconciliation between Gasperini and Lookman marks a fresh start for the duo as Atalanta looks to build on their solid form in Serie A.
