Gasperini said Atalanta would miss Lookman in the attack but added that he has a suitable replacement for him
By Kehinde Okeowo
Atalanta boss, Gian Piero Gasperini has made an honest admission, admitting he is unhappy with winger Ademola Lookman’s departure for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
Lookman was named in Nigeria’s 25-man squad for Africa’s flagship soccer competition by head coach, Jose Peseiro on Friday.
He was picked alongside three goalkeepers, nine defenders, five midfielders and seven other forwards.
The former Leicester City star will be making his maiden appearance at the competition.
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Lookman could be away for around a month in case Nigeria went as far as the final.
Speaking on the development, Gasperini claimed La Dea would be missing a key element in the attack but stated that he has a suitable replacement for the player.
“It worries me that Lookman is leaving for the AFCON, yes, both for the numbers and the quality of the matches played,” Gasperini was quoted by Tutto Fantacalcio.
“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.”
The 26-year-old has scored six goals and provided three assists in 17 league appearances for Atalanta this season.
