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Ademola Lookman's absence did not seem to slow Atalanta down as they trounced Verona in Serie A
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini reflected on his team’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Verona, explaining how Ademola Lookman’s absence allowed for tactical flexibility.
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The win was a much-needed boost for La Dea, who had struggled for form in recent weeks but are now back in the hunt for a place in the top four.
Tactical adjustments in Lookman’s absence
With Lookman unavailable due to injury, Gasperini deployed Charles De Ketelaere on the left, a move that played a key role in Atalanta’s dominant performance.
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The Belgian attacker thrived in his new role, linking up effectively with his teammates and contributing to the team’s best attacking moves.
Speaking after the win, Gasperini said, “When Lookman is fit, both of them [Lookman and De Ketelaere] prepare to play on the flank of their weaker foot, but during the course of a match they can swap places.
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“De Ketelaere tends to cut inside more when he’s on the right, whereas on the left he tends to go straight for goal. He was decisive in the first half with a hand in the best moves. When he has those movements, the whole team attack improves.”
Gasperini happy with much-needed injury-free performance
Beyond the tactical tweaks, Gasperini was most relieved that for the first time in weeks, Atalanta finished a match without picking up more injuries.
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“Today, for the first time in weeks, nobody else got hurt. That is the most important thing for us,” he said.
Atalanta’s dominant display was led by Mateo Retegui, who scored four goals, while Ederson added the fifth.
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The victory comes as a confidence booster ahead of their crucial Champions League play-off clash against Club Brugge.
With Lookman’s return still uncertain, Gasperini may continue to tweak his attack in the coming weeks, hoping to maintain the momentum from this much-needed win.
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