Ademola Lookman was at the centre of confusion on Sunday as Atalanta fell to a 1–0 home defeat against Lazio in Serie A.
Lookman was mistakenly substituted in the second half, a decision Gian Piero Gasperini later admitted was due to a miscommunication on the bench.
The match at the Gewiss Stadium was a tight contest, decided by a 54th-minute strike from Gustav Isaksen, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by the hosts.
The goal was assisted by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who nodded the ball into Isaksen’s path with a smart header.
With Atalanta trailing, Gasperini looked to shake things up in the 74th minute.
However, instead of Ederson, it was Lookman who was withdrawn; much to the confusion of Lookman who left the pitch, clearly displeased.
Speaking after the match, Gasperini confirmed the substitution was an error.
“There was a mistake. Only Retegui was subbed to come off,” he told DAZN.
“Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding between ‘Ede’ [Ederson] and ‘Ade’ [Lookman], and we paid a high price for it.”
Meanwhile, Atalanta’s recent woes continue as they have now suffered three consecutive defeats in Serie A; failing to score in all three.
Sunday’s result also means Atalanta are still without a single home league win in 2025.
“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.”
