Atalanta Manager Disheartened By Lookman’s Call-Up For AFCON 2023

The manager of Atalanta, Gian Piero Gasperini,  has expressed his dissatisfaction with Ademola Lookman’s departure for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Sportxparte reports that Lookman, who previously played for Leicester City, has been included in Nigeria’s 25-man squad for the prestigious soccer tournament.

This will be Lookman’s first time participating in the competition. Gasperini acknowledged that Lookman’s absence could impact the team’s attacking prowess, but he assured that he has a suitable replacement for the player.

If Nigeria progresses to the final, Lookman could potentially be away for approximately a month.

“It worries me that Lookman is leaving for the AFCON, yes, both for the numbers and the quality of the matches played,” Tutto Fantacalcio quoted Gasperini saying.

He added: “It is clear that we are losing an important element in attack, but we have a certain number of players to be able to make up for it.”

Lookman has scored six goals and provided three assists in 17 league appearances.