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Nigeria's Ademola Lookman's omission from the starting lineup has been cited as the cause for Atalanta's defeat
Atalanta's surprising 3-2 defeat at the hands of Como in Serie A left fans outraged, with much of their anger directed at coach Gianpiero Gasperini for leaving Nigerian star Ademola Lookman on the bench at the start of the match.
Lookman’s late impact fails to salvage Atalanta
Despite not starting the match, Lookman was able to get on the scoresheet after coming on, but his late strike was not enough to rescue his team, as Como secured a shocking victory over the Bergamo side.
Atalanta took the lead early through Davide Zappacosta in the 20th minute, but Como responded with three consecutive goals, including a Sead Kolasinac own goal, to establish a 3-1 lead.
Ademola Lookman was introduced in the second half, and the Nigerian forward managed to score late in the game.
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However, it was merely a consolation goal as Atalanta succumbed to their third defeat in five Serie A matches at home to Como.
Fans criticise Gasperini’s decision to bench Lookman
Following the loss to Como, fans on social media slammed Atalanta coach Gianpiero Gasperini for his decision to leave Nigerian sensation Lookman on the bench at the start of the match.
Fans were unhappy that Atalanta decided to start the match against Como with arguably their best player on the bench, with some suggesting that Gasperini underrated Fabregas’ side.
Lookman has been one of the most important stars for Atalanta in recent times and was nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award after his Europa League final hat-trick last season.
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Despite his heroics for Atalanta, Lookman has often found himself on the bench for La Dea. He started on the bench 10 times in Serie A last season and has now come on as a substitute for half of his league appearances this season.
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