Ademola Lookman: Atalanta get massive boost ahead of crunch Champions League clash
Ademola Lookman with his man of the match award against Hellas Verona. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
Atalanta’s head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has confirmed Super Eagles attacker, Ademola Olajade Lookman, is set to feature in his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Club Brugge tomorrow.
La Dea fell to a 2-1 first-leg defeat in Belgium and were without Ademola Lookman as he was struggling with a knee injury.
Ahead of Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League round of 32 fixture against Club Brugge at the Gewiss Stadium tomorrow, the 2024 Europa League winners have received an added advantage as their star attacker returns.
“We happened to have Lookman out in this period, which coincided with fewer goals and we lacked something in the attacking phase. Now, he seems to have recovered. My intention is to bring him to the bench and use him in view of possible extra time. It is important that he is fully fit and not rushed,” Gasperini said in quotes revealed by Reuters.
Additionally, the Italian manager beckoned on referees to be more watchful of players who dive into challenges, due to an arguable penalty call that was made in the first-leg clash against Club Brugge.
“I am against this solution [introducing a VAR on-call system where players can challenge a referee’s decision] because it would slow down the game even more, which is already very slow under the many whistles that are blown.“It would increase the controversy even more. There are four referees, three at VAR and that seems like a lot to me. Simulations must be fought because they kill football. These are things that can knock you out and you have to be clear about contacts. Technology must also give answers and take responsibility for making judgements,” the 67-year-old concluded.
Lookman has scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 27 games for Atalanta across all competitions this season, proving his vitality in Gasperini’s team.
