Gasperini after Milan vs Roma: “A Qualitative Leap Except for Finishing” — Roma Show Progress Despite Defeat
Match Summary: Milan vs Roma
At the iconic San Siro, AC Milan edged AS Roma 1–0 in Serie A Round 11. The decisive goal came from Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlović, whose header sealed Milan’s victory despite Roma controlling large parts of the game.
Roma dominated possession and pressed high but lacked the finishing touch that could have changed the result. After the final whistle, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini remained composed, offering a balanced reflection.
“Except for finishing, we made a qualitative leap. The result disappoints me, but the performance satisfies me.”
This statement captured both optimism and realism — evidence of a coach who sees progress beyond the scoreline.
Roma’s Attacking Approach
From the first minute, Roma imposed an offensive rhythm. Pellegrini and Dybala roamed freely between the lines, constantly pulling Milan’s defenders out of shape. On the flanks, Spinazzola and Karsdorp pushed high to stretch the pitch, forcing Milan deeper.
Roma’s ball circulation was confident and purposeful, building from the back with calm precision. In the first half they even out-possessed Milan, creating several half-chances that hinted at tactical maturity.
Yet just before halftime, a single lapse proved costly. From a corner, Pavlović rose above the defense to head home the winner — a moment that underlined how fine the margins remain at this level.
Key Moments: Missed Penalty & Dybala Injury
Roma’s best opportunity came in the second half when Dybala dribbled past two defenders and earned a penalty. The Argentine himself stepped up to take it, but Mike Maignan guessed correctly and produced a stunning save to preserve Milan’s lead.
Worse still, Dybala pulled up moments later clutching his thigh and had to be substituted. The double blow — missed penalty and star injury — deflated Roma’s momentum and morale. Without their playmaker, the Giallorossi struggled to convert dominance into goals.
After the game, Gasperini admitted: “The most serious thing tonight is Dybala’s injury.” It summed up the cruel twist of a night where Roma did almost everything right but score.
Gasperini’s Post-Match Reflections
Despite the defeat, Gasperini expressed firm belief in his team’s direction. He highlighted the improvement in tempo, pressing coordination, and ball management under pressure. “Many things worked well. This is the way I want to move forward,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of focusing on progress rather than frustration. Roma’s performance metrics — possession, passing accuracy, and expected goals — all improved compared to previous fixtures, confirming tangible growth.
The Italian tactician’s words echoed confidence: Roma are evolving into a side that can control matches against top opposition.
Finishing and Late-Game Strength
However, the coach also pointed to a lingering weakness: finishing. Roma have missed four of their last five penalties across competitions — a statistic that has directly cost valuable points.
“We must improve our final touch,” Gasperini noted. “Many teams decide matches in the final minutes through intensity and set-pieces; that’s still missing for us.”
It’s a candid admission that while Roma dominate large stretches of play, they often fail to land the decisive punch — a trait separating contenders from champions.
Tactical Growth and Team Evolution
Under Gasperini, Roma’s structure has evolved considerably. The build-up phase now starts calmly from the back, using three-man rotations to bypass pressure. Wing-backs push forward to stretch defenses, giving midfielders freedom to exploit inside channels.
The Dybala–Pellegrini connection remains central, offering creativity and unpredictability. Against Milan, Roma registered more shots and more entries into the final third than in any of their previous five matches — proof of a system maturing rapidly.
The balance between pressing and possession has also improved. Roma now look less reactive, more proactive — a sign of identity taking shape.
Dybala Injury Update
Fortunately, early indications suggest Dybala’s injury is not severe. Gasperini confirmed, “He should return after the international break.” Roma’s medical staff are optimistic about a quick recovery.
Given Dybala’s influence — leading the team in goal contributions this season — his return will be crucial for maintaining Roma’s offensive creativity and confidence.
Next Match Preview: Roma vs Atalanta
Roma’s next Serie A challenge comes at home against Atalanta. The focus now shifts from performance to efficiency: turning dominance into goals. Gasperini insisted, “The team exists. We just need to finish what we create.”
If Roma can enhance their composure in front of goal and stay mentally strong in the final minutes, they can re-enter the top-four race. The Atalanta fixture could mark the true turning point of their campaign.
Conclusion: Roma’s Path Forward
“Except for finishing, we made a qualitative leap” — Gasperini’s statement encapsulates Roma’s current reality: a team technically and tactically improved, still seeking efficiency.
The defensive structure is solid, the game model clear, and the belief tangible. All that remains is to translate dominance into decisive victories. Once that final barrier is crossed, Roma will no longer be a team of potential but of results.
Roma’s resurgence is underway — and far from over.
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