Del Piero stands with Lookman: ‘I would’ve been very upset’ at penalty insult after 3-1 loss

Alessandro Del Piero stands with Ademola Lookman and agrees he’d have been ‘very upset’ at being targeted the same way by Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

While Del Piero was one of the most reliable penalty specialists in Serie A, Lookman has a dismal record and confirmed it during last night’s Champions League play-off defeat to Club Brugge.

The Nigeria international was therefore not one of the designated takers, so when he saw his effort parried by Simon Mignolet, Gasperini reacted furiously.

In his press conference, the coach said Lookman was “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” and that the insistence on stepping up was a gesture he did not appreciate.

Lookman answered back on social media, noting he found the comments “disrespectful.”

Lookman has sympathy from Del Piero

Del Piero is a Sky Sport Italia pundit and was asked about the situation during this evening’s studio debate.

“It is human to make mistakes, including from the penalty spot,” replied the 2006 World Cup winner.

“Aside from the internal dynamics of that team, I would have been very upset by Gasperini’s words in the press conference. I am therefore not entirely surprised that Lookman responded that way, as he is right to do so.

“He is having an extraordinary campaign and has been put on the chopping block, which risks damaging the rest of the season. We’ll see how the team reacts.”