Atalanta head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has offered clarity on his decision to substitute Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman during the club’s 2-0 win over Venezia at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo on Sunday.
The half-time substitution, which saw Lookman replaced by Juan Cuadrado, surprised many of Atalanta’s fans, who questioned the tactical change after a solid first-half performance.
Gasperini, known for his tactical acumen, explained that his decision was driven by the need for more defensive discipline, particularly as Venezia began to gain momentum after the break.
Lookman, though lively in attack, struggled to contribute defensively, an area Gasperini was keen to address in a match that required a more balanced approach.
Before his substitution, Lookman had shown glimpses of his attacking prowess, registering a shot that struck the woodwork and attempting two dribbles, one of which was successful.
His influence was also felt in playmaking, where he completed 12 of 17 passes with a 71% accuracy rate, made three key passes, and delivered one accurate cross from six attempts.
However, his impact in duels was less effective, as he won just one out of four ground battles and one of two aerial contests.
Lookman also lost possession 11 times, a statistic that may have contributed to Gasperini’s decision to make the change.
In a post-match interview with DAZN, Gasperini elaborated on his choice to replace the Nigerian international, stating, “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.”
Lookman has been an instrumental figure for Atalanta since his arrival from RB Leipzig in 2022. The Nigerian forward’s standout moment came in last season’s Europa League final, where he netted a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy.
His attacking brilliance was a key factor in that historic achievement, cementing his status as one of Gasperini’s most important players.
So far in the current campaign, Lookman has made seven appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists.
He has averaged 69 minutes per game, maintaining his role as a vital attacking threat for the Italian side.
Despite his importance, Gasperini’s tactical demands and Lookman’s defensive limitations in this particular match led to his early substitution.
