Gian Piero Gasperini calls Ademola Lookman 'one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen' as Atalanta crash out of UCL

Gian Piero Gasperini blasted Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman for his penalty miss in the club's 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League, branding him "one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen." His miss foiled the Serie A side's comeback in Bergamo. Brugge won 5-2 on aggregate and will meet either Inter Milan or Arsenal in the last 16.

Drama as Lookman's penalty saved by Mignolet after lengthy VAR check

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Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini described striker Ademola Lookman as "one of the worst penalty takers I have ever seen" after his miss from the spot in their 3-1 loss to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.

Lookman fired the Serie A club back into the game with a goal at the outset of the second half, but then saw a penalty saved by Simon Mignolet and Atalanta subsequently lost all momentum.

The Belgian club claimed a 5-2 win on aggregate in Bergamo to shock the Europa League champions.

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Gasperini was not shy in his judgement of the Nigeria international, saying that either Charles De Ketelaere or Mateo Retegui should have taken the penalty.

"Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen," the Italian manager said following the match.

"He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all."

Highlights: Brugge produce historic performance in Bergamo to knock out Atalanta

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Atalanta captain Rafael Toloi piled further embarrassment on his side when he was shown a red card for an unnecessary shove on Maxim De Cuyper.

De Cuyper interfered with Toloi taking a throw-in and the 34-year-old tried to throw the ball at the Belgian but slipped, causing him to charge at the 24-year-old in a fit of rage.

"That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads," Gasperini added.

"Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona."

'He's lost his head' - Atalanta skipper Toloi shown red card after lashing out

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They were the second Serie A side to exit the competition on the night after Feyenoord upset AC Milan at San Siro in a result that saw both sides finish with 10 men.

Brugge, meanwhile, continued a dream run under Nicky Hayen as they advanced to the last 16, and will meet either Inter Milan or Arsenal.

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