Gasperini: ‘Retegui growing, Lookman and Zaniolo struggled’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini explains why Mateo Retegui has become so impressive with Atalanta, but has criticism for Ademola Lookman and Nicolò Zaniolo after the 2-0 victory in Venezia.

La Dea seemed largely comfortable on the Laguna, scoring early with Mario Pasalic and seeing several big chances go by the wayside including Lookman’s smash against the crossbar.

Retegui consolidated his Capocannoniere status with a delightful lob after winning back possession to seal the 2-0 result.

“We appreciated Retegui for what he did at Genoa and he has evolved well with us so far this season, but the team also puts him in the right condition to be decisive,” Gasperini told DAZN.

“He scores with extraordinary regularity and shows quality too. It was certainly a decisive goal today. We did well to stay concentrated and, despite missing so many defenders, we were still organised. It is always tricky after a break for international duty, so we weren’t sharp, but were still solid.”

Gasperini not entirely content with Atalanta

epa11671131 Venezia’s Gaetano Oristanio (L) in action against Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Venezia FC and Atalanta BC at the Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium in Venice, Italy, 20 October 2024. EPA-EFE/ETTORE GRIFFONI

Lookman was substituted and Gasperini reveals it was partly due to his fitness levels after Nigeria’s troubled international duty experience in Libya.

“He struggled to get back and help out in defence, so was not playing for the team. Venezia were improving and I needed to tie the team together more.”

Zaniolo again came off the bench and made relatively little impact, so patience is running thin with the former Roma, Galatasaray and Aston Villa player.

“I watch the performances like you do and draw my conclusions,” added Gasperini.

“We expect a lot more. He puts in the effort, but he must not give up on situations and fall down so often. I hope we can get him there.”

This victory takes Atalanta up to sixth place in the Serie A table, catching Lazio and Udinese on 13 points.

Their next fixture is in the Champions League on Wednesday, hosting Celtic at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.