Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has clarified that he didn’t intend to offend his player Ademola Lookman.

Gasperini infuriated Lookman after criticising the Nigerian international for taking a penalty in Tuesday night’s home loss to Club Brugge.

The Italian declared that the striker was “one of the worst penalty kick takers” he had ever seen.

But, Lookman responded by labelling his manager’s comment disrespectful.

However, Gasperini clarified his position, saying: “He had an extraordinary impact. My words were never meant to be offensive.”

Gasperini spoke at a press conference on Saturday via TMW.

“Yesterday, in Udinese-Lecce, we saw what could have turned into a global spectacle, but fortunately, the players let it go,” he said.

“I would have liked to see a great player like him [Lookman] make a gesture toward [Charles] De Ketelaere, saying, ‘Come on, take the ball, put it in.

“He could become a penalty taker, adding another scoring ability. But I almost feel like there’s a narrative being pushed that Atalanta are in chaos when the reality is quite different.

“I always speak in front of the whole team, this has never even been an issue within the club.

“The player felt offended, but I never intended to offend anyone. In the end, I think it turned out well because there was no unnecessary drama.

“I also appreciated what happened in the Udinese game, with both the players and the coach. Lookman came on against Brugge in an extraordinary way, and his gesture, even if generous, doesn’t change my opinion,” Gasperini stated.

Victory in the FA Cup last week, a win in the Premier League tonight… Brighton are wishing they could play Chelsea every week.

A hugely-impressive performance from the home side who now move up into eighth place, above both Aston Villa and Fulham.

Brighton enjoyed their first home win in six games in the Premier League (D3 L2), while it was their joint-biggest win in the competition over a side starting the day in the fop four, along with a 3-0 win v Arsenal in May 2023 under Roberto De Zerbi.

Aston Villa has sent Tottenham Hotspur packing from the FA Cup, securing a 2-1 victory in their fourth-round clash at Villa Park.

The win marks a significant upset, given Tottenham’s eight FA Cup titles, and comes on the heels of their humiliating 4-0 defeat to Liverpool in the EFL Cup semi-final.

Aston Villa’s triumph was fueled by their strong home form, which has seen them deliver impressive wins in the Champions League this season.

Despite entering the match on the back of a disappointing 2-0 loss to Wolves, Unai Emery’s side demonstrated resilience and determination to overcome their opponents.

Tottenham, plagued by injuries, with a dozen first-team players sidelined, struggled to find their footing. Their task was further complicated by the absence of key players, including Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and James Maddison.

The victory is a significant boost for Aston Villa, who will now advance to the next round of the FA Cup.

For Tottenham, the loss marks a disappointing exit from the competition, adding to the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou.