Atalanta coach Gasperini sends Lookman message ahead of AFCON

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini is sorry losing Ademola Lookman.

Lookman struck the winner against Lecce on Saturday and is now joining Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Gasperini said: Unfortunately Lookman will fly out tomorrow, but we have Muriel, Scamacca, De Ketelaere, Miranchuk and Toure. It will be an opportunity for them.

I don't want to act like I'm wishing Nigeria don't do well, but naturally we hope Lookman isn't away for too long. Above all, we hope he doesn't get injured."

He added, It was an extraordinary calendar year, fifth in Serie A and into the Europa League. We lost a few head-to-head clashes, especially conceding late goals, so a few more draws would've helped us."