Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini has explained his decision to substitute Nigerian international Ademola Lookman in their Serie A clash against Venezia on Sunday, October 20.

The 27-year-old was subbed off at the interval as Atalanta recorded an impressive 2-0 victory away at Venezia.

Former Juventus star Juan Cuadrado replaced the Ballon d'Or nominee, who struggled to make any meaningful impact on the game.

Speaking on why he subbed off the Super Eagles star at halftime, Gasperini stated that Lookman exhibited signs of tiredness during the game and that he also needed to rest him ahead of the upcoming matches.

“He was probably tired too, then there are the games and the needs of the teams. It already happened to us with Como, we would have risked doing the same with Venezia today,” the Italian tactician said in the post-match press conference.

Lookman has netted two goals and provided two assists in five Serie A appearances for La Dea this season.