On May 22nd of last year, Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick to help Atalanta win the Europa League. 273 days later, Lookman is a symbol of Atalanta's failure in the Champions League.
The Italian team lost 3-1 to Brugge on Tuesday. The Belgian champions scored three goals in the first half. Lookman came on in the second half and after just 35 seconds he scored to make it 3-1.
The English-raised Nigerian took charge of the penalty area five minutes later, but his shot was saved by experienced goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini said that Brugge made the best use of their chances. He also spoke about striker Lookman in the press conference.
"Lookman shouldn't have taken the penalty, he's one of the worst penalty takers," Gasperini said.
"He has a terrible record, even in training. He scores few penalties. Retegui and De Ketelaere were ready, but Lookman, in the moment of excitement after the goal, decided to take the ball. It was an action that I didn't like at all," added Gasperini.
