Roma’s transformation under Gian Piero Gasperini is becoming increasingly visible in the underlying numbers.
The Giallorossi lead Serie A for shots generated following high turnovers, while Donyell Malen and Paulo Dybala rank among the league’s most influential attacking players in several important categories.
Data published by SerieAxG highlights how Roma’s aggressive approach is helping the team recover possession close to the opposition’s goal and consistently create dangerous opportunities.
Roma Lead Serie A for Shots From High Turnovers
Roma have recorded a league-leading figure of 16.5 shots generated from high turnovers. Fiorentina are their closest challengers at 11.5, leaving a considerable gap between Gasperini’s team and the rest of Serie A.
The top five teams in the category are:
- Roma — 16.5
- Fiorentina — 11.5
- Cagliari — 10
- Inter — 9.5
- Juventus — 8.5
The figures reflect one of the central principles of Gasperini’s football: pressing aggressively after losing possession and attempting to transform recoveries into immediate attacking opportunities.
Roma are not simply pressing frequently. They are turning those situations into shots more effectively than any other team in the league.
Malen Among Serie A’s Most Active Forwards Inside the Box
Malen’s movement has also helped give Roma a consistent presence in dangerous areas.
The Dutch forward and Inter captain Lautaro Martínez lead Serie A for average touches inside the opposition penalty area, with both registering figures between approximately 45 and 50.
Como striker Anastasios Douvikas and Juventus forward Randal Kolo Muani follow with 31, while Gonçalo Ramos and Rasmus Højlund have been considerably less involved, recording figures of only three and 2.5 respectively.
Malen’s numbers help explain why he has been so productive at the beginning of the season. Gasperini has positioned him close to goal, allowing the attacker to use his movement, speed and finishing ability rather than receiving possession in less threatening areas.
His presence also gives Roma an immediate target after winning the ball high up the pitch.
Dybala Leads Serie A for Big Chances Created
Dybala remains fundamental to Roma’s creativity despite not yet scoring in Serie A this season.
The Argentine has created eight big chances, comfortably leading the league in that category. Giacomo Calò and Nicolò Barella are tied behind him with five each.
The ranking is:
- Paulo Dybala — 8
- Giacomo Calò — 5
- Nicolò Barella — 5
Dybala’s ability to find teammates in dangerous positions remains a major part of Roma’s attacking structure. His creativity has allowed Malen and the other forwards to receive the ball closer to goal, especially after Roma recover possession in advanced areas.
Dybala’s Finishing Numbers Should Improve
The underlying figures also show an unusual contrast in Dybala’s performances.
He is Serie A’s leading creator of big chances but is simultaneously one of the competition’s biggest expected-goals underperformers. The Roma forward has failed to score from chances worth approximately 1.60 expected goals.
Only Kolo Muani has recorded a larger negative difference, remaining scoreless from 2.00 xG. Udinese midfielder Arthur Atta has also failed to score despite accumulating 1.30 xG.
The leading underperformers are:
- Randal Kolo Muani — zero goals from 2.00 xG
- Paulo Dybala — zero goals from 1.60 xG
- Arthur Atta — zero goals from 1.30 xG
Dybala’s lack of goals is therefore not the result of an inability to enter dangerous positions. The opportunities have arrived, but the finishing has not yet matched the quality normally associated with the Argentine.
If his conversion returns toward its usual level while he continues creating chances at the current rate, Roma’s attack could become even more productive.
Gasperini’s Roma Building a Clear Identity
The figures present a consistent picture of Roma’s attacking development.
Gasperini’s team lead the league in generating shots from high turnovers. Malen is receiving the ball regularly inside the penalty area, while Dybala is creating more major opportunities than any other Serie A player.
There remains room for improvement, particularly with Dybala’s finishing and the contribution of Roma’s wing-backs. However, the attacking structure is already producing encouraging signs.
Roma are pressing high, recovering possession in dangerous areas and creating opportunities for their most decisive players. The next step is turning that territorial dominance into even more goals.
Source: SerieAxG
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