Atalanta co-owner, Stephen Pagliuca, has acknowledged that head coach Gian Piero Gasperini “made a mistake” with his remarks about Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
However, he insists that the Italian tactician remains a dedicated and passionate leader.
The controversy arose after Gasperini publicly criticized Lookman for missing a decisive penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League, describing him as “one of the worst” penalty takers.
The comment stirred debate among fans and analysts, drawing mixed reactions.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Pagliuca attempted to de-escalate the situation, highlighting Atalanta’s collective approach to overcoming challenges.
“We want to put this situation behind us, and I think we have, considering the 5-0 victory [against Empoli],” he stated.
According to Football Italia, Pagliuca emphasized the club’s unity and commitment to responsibility, saying, “These matches are always intense. We love the passion with which they are played. We have a great coach, very passionate.
“He made a mistake by speaking about an individual. At Atalanta, with the Percassi family, we have a policy: if things go wrong, we take responsibility. We look at ourselves and how to improve.”
The American businessman also stressed Lookman’s invaluable contributions to Atalanta’s success this season.
“The players are having an extraordinary season; we wouldn’t be where we are now without the contributions of Lookman, De Ketelaere, and the whole team. I should name them all.
“We faced Brugge without five key players, all injured. Gasperini’s reaction was emotional and unfortunate, and it was a mistake that went against our policy—something we are not proud of. But I repeat, Gasp remains a great coach.”
Beyond the Lookman controversy, questions have arisen over Gasperini’s future at the club.
The 66-year-old coach has already indicated that he will not be extending his contract, potentially leaving Atalanta by 2026 or even at the end of the current campaign.
Pagliuca refrained from offering concrete details, saying, “This is something Luca Percassi will handle. He takes care of these matters. We will do whatever Gasp believes is the best solution for him.”
Following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Club Brugge, Atalanta bounced back emphatically with a 5-0 win over Empoli.
Pagliuca described the victory as a vital morale boost in a highly competitive Serie A season.
“Serie A is a very competitive league; winning 5-0 away from home is never easy. It was a great satisfaction. We needed it,” he remarked.
Reflecting on their Champions League exit, he credited Brugge for their performance but pointed out controversial refereeing decisions.
“First of all, I have to give credit to Brugge, who played two incredible matches.
“But if we consider the injuries and what I think was one of the most questionable refereeing decisions I have ever seen in my life… If that was a penalty, they should call five per game.”
With 13 matches left in the Serie A campaign, Atalanta currently sits third in the table, just three points off the summit. Pagliuca reaffirmed the club’s determination to maintain its momentum.
“Every year, the goal is to finish as high as possible in the standings in a very competitive league. Just look at how many teams are fighting for a place in Europe and for the title,” he noted.
He also credited Atalanta’s management for assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
“Enormous credit must be given to Luca and Antonio Percassi and our staff for putting together such a deep squad, allowing us to compete for the Scudetto despite the many injuries we have had, most of them to key starters.”
Beyond short-term footballing objectives, Atalanta is making significant investments in its future, particularly in infrastructure and player development.
“We bought land in Zingonia next to the training centre to further expand what is already one of the best youth development centres in Europe.
“Investing in player development is crucial. We have an Under-23 team doing well, currently in the playoff zone. The youth sector is performing well, allowing us to have a talent pool to draw from for the future.”
Among the club’s major milestones this season is the renovation of their stadium, which was inaugurated at the start of the campaign
. Pagliuca praised the project, highlighting its modernized fan experience while retaining its historic charm.
“It’s a masterpiece. The Percassi family managed the project brilliantly, keeping to schedule and budget.
“It offers a much better experience for our fans than the past while maintaining the historic aspects of the stadium.
“I believe it is one of the most beautiful stadiums not only in Italy but in Europe as well. Not to mention the food in the skyboxes, provided by a Michelin-starred chef.
“I’d gain about twenty kilos if I came to Bergamo for every Atalanta match!” he joked.
With Atalanta balancing competitive success with long-term planning, the club remains focused on achieving both short-term results and sustained growth for the future.
