Atalanta’s Chances of Winning Silverware This Season Hang in the Balance, Warns Fabio Capello
Former AC Milan manager Fabio Capello has sounded a warning to Atalanta, cautioning that selling Ademola Lookman could have devastating consequences for the team’s chances of winning silverware this season.
Lookman, the 27-year-old Nigerian international, has been a key player for Atalanta, scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in May. He has also been named the team’s best player for the past two seasons.
The pacy winger has been linked with a move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in recent days, and his recent boycott of training following an approach from PSG has raised concerns about his future at the club. However, Lookman returned to training with his teammates on Thursday and is expected to feature in this weekend’s clash with Torino.
Capello, who managed AC Milan from 1991 to 1996, believes that Atalanta must hold onto their top stars, including Lookman and midfielder Teun Koopmeiners, if they are to succeed this season. “If Koopmeiners and Lookman leave after injuries to Scamacca and Scalvini, it would be tough for Gasperini,” Capello warned in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Atalanta’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, will be hoping that Capello’s words of wisdom will be heeded by the club’s hierarchy, as they look to build on their impressive performances in recent seasons. With the Italian Serie A season reaching its climax, Atalanta will be keen to hold onto their key players and ensure that they have the best possible chance of winning silverware this season.
