Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed that Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman was substituted due to a misunderstanding during their disappointing home loss against Lazio on Sunday.
Ademola Lookman’s substitution came in the 74th minute when he made way for Lazar Samardzic, while Mateo Retegui was also replaced by Daniel Maldini as Atalanta sought for an equalizer. Prior to the changes, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had assisted Gustav Isaksen, giving Lazio a 1-0 lead which ultimately led to their first win in one month.
“There was a mistake. Only Retegui was subbed to come off,” Gasperini told DAZN after the game. “Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding between ‘Ede’ (Ederson) and ‘Ade’ (Lookman) and we paid a high price for it.
The 1-0 loss meant Atalanta’s abysmal home form in 2025 — which has seen them record no home win in the league — continued in disappointing fashion. However, Gasperini remained optimistic, stressing that the team can still achieve their objectives.
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“There are seven games remaining. We can still achieve what we didn’t manage in the last three games if we play with the same intensity, spirit and desire to get a result. In football, you have to accept moments like this and respond. Everything is still possible,” he said.
While the title race seems all but over for Atalanta, Gasperini’s team will be hoping to seal their top four spot in the coming weeks as they now lead Lazio, who sit sixth, by just three points.
Atalanta’s next league match is another home game against Bologna, and they will be eager to end their winless home streak, increasing their chances of competing in the Champions League next season, and avoiding a disappointing end to the season.
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