Gianpiero Gasperini has said Ademola Lookman made Atalanta great after he scored in Sunday’s 4-0 hammering of Juventus.
Lookman wrapped up the dominant win against the Bianconeri at the Allianz Arena.
The win kept Atalanta right in the mix in the title race as they are third on 58 points, just three points behind leaders Inter.
After impressing Lookman was subbed off with 10 minute left hugged Gasperini on the touchline.
Both player and coach had been involved in a war of words after the African Player of the Year missed a penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League playoffs.
“When a group spends 300 days together in a year, people can have different views,” Gasperini said at a post-match press conference (via Football Italia).
“Lookman became a fantastic player when he improved his perception of the team. He used to have a more individual approach. He wasn’t a bad guy, but he mostly focused on the individual.
“He made Atalanta great, and Atalanta made him great. I am convinced he can be the captain before the end of the season.”
Lookman’s finest hour as a player of Atalanta was bagging a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen last season.
This season he has scored 13 goals, made five assists in 22 Serie A games.
