Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has moved to defuse a row with winger Ademola Lookman, saying he did not intend to offend the player with his criticism of his penalty-taking abilities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Gasperini had described Lookman as "one of the worst penalty kick takers" he had ever seen after the Nigerian missed a spot-kick in Tuesday's Champions League defeat to Club Brugge.
Lookman said he felt disrespected by Gasperini's comments, but the Atalanta manager has now sought to clarify his remarks.
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"Lookman felt offended, but I didn't want to offend anyone," Gasperini said. "If he starts training to improve on penalties, with his exceptional skills Ademola can become our first penalty taker."
Atalanta take on Empoli away from home on Sunday, and it remains to be seen what kind of energy the Italian manager and Lookman will bring.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun