What Gasperini told Lookman after goal and substitution in 4-0 victory over Juventus | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini made sure that the rumours of a fall-out between himself and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman were put to bed with a gesture and short message for the Nigeria international after his goal and subsequent substitution during Sunday’s 4-0 victory over Juventus.

La Dea inflicted an historic defeat upon the Bianconeri on Sunday evening, knocking four goals past Thiago Motta’s side to record the worst Juventus defeat at home since 1967: Mateo Retegui, Marten De Roon, Davide Zappacosta and Lookman provided the goals.

Lookman, who had been involved in a public spat with coach Gasperini earlier in the season after a missed penalty during Atalanta’s Champions League exit, has been in decent form since then with three goals in his last three Serie A appearances.

TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 09: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta runs with the ball inside the penalty area whilst under pressure from Timothy Weah and Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus and Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

What Gasperini told Lookman during Juventus 0-4 Atalanta

The reigning African Player of the Year is now up to 25 goal contributions from 31 matches in all competitions this season, made up of five goals and two assists from seven Champions League outings, and 13 goals and five assists from 22 run-outs in Serie A.

He struck in the 77th minute against Juventus on Sunday evening, before being substituted off in the 80th with the scores already at 0-4 in favour of La Dea.

According to Monday’s reports, Gasperini told Lookman: “Can I give you a hug, can you give me a nice smile?,” which led to a big hug between the pair on the touchline.