Gasperini: Lookman owes Ballon d’Or nomination to Atalanta

Atalanta coach, Gian Piero Gasperini has described the Ballon d’Or nomination of Ademola Lookman as a testament to his work and support of his teammates.

Both Lookman and Gasperini were nominated for awards at the event.

The Nigerian forward finished in 14th place and Gasperini lost the coach of the year award to Carlo Ancelotti at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris, on Monday.

Gasperini, Lookman, and Atalanta executives Antonio & Luca Percassi attended the ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Gasperini shared his thoughts on Lookman’s achievement and recounted a conversation they had on their flight from Bergamo.

“He knows he wouldn’t be here without De Roon, Ederson, Djimsiti, and the entire squad supporting him,” Gasperini said.

“It’s not guaranteed he would have achieved the same result if he were playing for a different team.”

In a light-hearted moment, Gasperini added, “I asked him if he’d be wearing a tuxedo. He said he wouldn’t, but that he’d wear a bow tie.”

Lookman was the only African player on this year’s 30-player shortlist and finished as the second-highest-ranked Serie A player, just behind Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, who placed seventh.