Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has addressed the backlash over his comments on Ademola Lookman’s penalty-taking ability, insisting he never meant to offend the Nigerian forward.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Gasperini responded to criticism of his post-match remarks following Atalanta’s Champions League exit against Club Brugge, where he had called Lookman “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen.

“It had an extraordinary impact, everything that came afterwards… mine was not meant to be an offensive sentence,” Gasperini said, attempting to clarify his stance.

The Italian coach defended his words by referencing Friday’s Serie A match between Udinese and Lecce, where Lorenzo Lucca took a penalty despite not being the designated taker.

“Yesterday in Udinese-Lecce, we had what could have been a drama, but luckily, the players let it go. I would have liked a strong player like Lookman to make a gesture towards De Ketelaere, saying: ‘Come on, keep the ball, put it in,’” Gasperini added.

Meanwhile, Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto’o has shown support for Lookman, sharing a heartfelt Instagram message alongside a photo of the Nigerian forward with his Europa League medal from last season.

“My young brother, memory in football lasts 90 minutes, the time of a match, and then it’s on to the next,” the former Barcelona striker wrote.

“For us, you are and will always be our champion. Only those who have the courage to take the shot can miss. Thank you for your courage, great champion.”

The controversy arose after Lookman, who has scored 17 goals this season, expressed his disappointment at being singled out, calling Gasperini’s comments “deeply disrespectful” in a social media post.