‘It happens everywhere’ - Atalanta manager addresses heated row with Lookman

The Italian side secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Marseille in France thanks to a late goal from Lazar Samardzic.

However, the win was overshadowed by an incident that took place in the 76th minute of the match after Lookman was substituted. 

The Nigerian international appeared visibly frustrated as he made his way off the pitch, leading to a tense verbal confrontation with his manager.

Gasperini has addressed the situation after grabbing Lookman’s arm before teammates and staff stepped in to separate the two and restore calm.

Speaking to the media after the game, Gasperini dismissed the confrontation as a normal part of the game's high-pressure environment.

"These are normal incidents in modern football; they happen every week, everywhere," the coach stated. 

"Players never willingly accept being taken off; it happened to De Bruyne in Naples, it happens everywhere."

Gasperini stressed that any on-field tensions are quickly resolved and that the team's collective goals must always come first.

"On the pitch, there's adrenaline, there's nerves, but then it all ends up in the locker room. The key is to remember that the only thing that matters is Atalanta, the group, the team, the fans. 

“We all have to pull in the same direction and respect this shirt. Everything is cleared up and we move on."