Lookman turns ‘pain into power’ after Gasperini row – Picture | OneFootball

Scoring a brace against Empoli was Ademola Lookman’s way to ‘turn pain into power’ after a complicated week that saw Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini publicly blast him for a penalty miss that contributed to his side’s elimination from the Champions League.

EMPOLI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Davide Zappacosta ta celebrates after scoring a goal with Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Empoli and Atalanta at Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 23, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

With Club Brugge leading 3-1 during Tuesday’s play-off, the Nigerian forward missed a crucial chance to reduce Atalanta’s deficit by failing to convert from the spot. His coach did not hold back in the post-match interview, claiming that the striker was not designated to take penalties and calling him one of the ‘worst penalty takers’ he had ever seen.

The argument continued with Lookman stating that Gasperini’s comments were disrespectful, but eventually, that feeling turned into motivation on the pitch. The 27-year-old looked like his side’s most inspired player during their 5-0 thrashing of Empoli, scoring a brace to earn the MVP award.

Atalanta’s Lookman turns ‘pain into power’ with brace after Gasperini row

After the match, he took to social media to express satisfaction with his performance, posting pictures accompanied by a brief caption suggesting that he had turned the “pain” of the previous week “into power.”

“Pain into power,” the message read.