Atalanta coach defends decision not to start Lookman as African POTY reaches milestone in loss to Inter

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has defended his decision not to include African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman in the starting lineup for the Supercup 2024-2025 semifinal against Inter Milan at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday night.

In a surprising move, Gasperini chose Lazar Samardžić, Nicolò Zaniolo and Marco Brescianini as his front three, with Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere among the substitutes.

After a goalless first half, Denzel Dumfries produced again for Inter Milan in a big match this season as he acrobatically volleyed home the opener three minutes into the second half.

With Atalanta a goal down, Gasperini reacted by bringing on Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere in the 56th minute.

The Super Eagles star reached a milestone of 100 appearances with Atalanta after coming on as a substitute.

In the 61st minute, Denzel Dumfries completed his brace after his shot ricocheted off the bottom of the crossbar and into the net.

Lookman had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 90th minute but his header from close range was saved by goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Speaking post-match, Gasperini pointed out that squad rotation was necessary to prevent Lookman and De Ketelaere from burning out. 

In quotes relayed by Bergamo eSport, he said: "There couldn't have been a better occasion to give Brescianini, Samardzic and also Scalvini the opportunity to play, who are part of the squad but have had fewer opportunities as starters so far.

"It's not like Lookman and De Ketelaere can play 56 straight games for 90 minutes."

Of the 27 matches played by Atalanta this season, Lookman has started 19, including 13 in Serie A, five in the Champions League and one in the UEFA Super Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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