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Italian manager Gianpiero Gasperini has decided to leave Atalanta, ending a nine-year spell at the club
Gian Piero Gasperini has officially announced his departure from Atalanta after a remarkable nine-year reign.
While his farewell was emotional, his final season wasn’t without controversy, especially with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
Gasperini exits Bergamo after nine memorable years
In a heartfelt message to fans, Gasperini confirmed he is stepping down from his role and is widely expected to become Roma’s head coach starting in the 2025-26 season.
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Reports suggest he will sign a three-year deal with bonuses tied to Champions League qualification and a potential Serie A title.
While reflecting on his achievements this season, incldufing Champions League qualification and a third-place league finish, he noted that the decision to leave was his alone, saying, “The time has come to take this step.
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Gasperini also revealed that he needed a new motivation and a fresh challenge. Despite the success, the Italian gaffer admitted he wished he could have done more, but expressed confidence that the club will continue to thrive.
The Lookman penalty controversy that sparked backlash
One major flashpoint this season came after a Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, where Lookman missed a penalty in a 3-1 loss.
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Gasperini publicly criticised the Nigerian, saying he was “one of the worst penalty takers he has ever seen.”
The comment sparked immediate backlash, especially from Lookman himself, who called it “deeply disrespectful” on Instagram.
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Gasperini later downplayed the remark, claiming it wasn’t meant to offend and was taken out of context. Still, the damage was done, and many believe this fractured relationship contributed to the coach’s decision to move on.
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