Gian Piero Gasperini praised Santiago Castro’s spectacular goal and Emanuele Lulli’s development after Roma beat Genoa, delivering the response he expected following their painful Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
The victory also marked Gasperini’s 300th Serie A win, with the coach highlighting the contribution of his reshuffled team and offering an encouraging update on Paulo Dybala.
“I Knew We Wouldn’t Fail”
Speaking to Sky Sport, Gasperini explained why he had trusted Roma to respond despite their absences and the disappointment of surrendering a two-goal lead against Madrid.
“Losing in that way was devastating. We had produced a performance of real quality, fully deserving of the scoreline, the chances and the quality of our play. We complicated things for ourselves in seven minutes, with three corners that came from nothing; Real were in enormous difficulty and were creating almost nothing.
“I had no doubts that we would react like this, even with the absences. I deliberately chose to change a lot because the lads had energy. I knew we wouldn’t fail. Then there was Genoa, who did not have Real’s champions but caused problems tactically. We then adjusted and understood how to face them in the second half.”
Gasperini credited the character of his squad, while acknowledging that Genoa had made the opening stages uncomfortable.
“I know the group and know they are extraordinary in terms of character. We broke the deadlock with a fantastic piece of play; watching it again, it is even better. And the second half was really good. We struggled with those long balls, then we found our way out.”
Castro Could Play Alongside Malen
Castro seized his opportunity with a magnificent finish, and Gasperini confirmed that the Argentine could become more than an alternative to Donyell Malen.
“Absolutely. There can also be occasions when they play together, without doubt. He is a fantastic lad. I always believed strongly in him at Bologna, where he had already shown his worth. We have always been convinced of his qualities.
“Tonight, in my opinion, he produced a performance of the highest level. He is a player with great room for improvement. He has moments like the one we saw, a deliberate piece of skill, executed exactly that way. He has so many outstanding qualities, despite still being very young.”
Asked about the finish itself, Gasperini insisted it was no accident.
“There was no space. If he had struck it differently, he would have hit another player, but he struck it well. In my opinion, it did not happen by chance. He wanted to put the ball exactly there, with the outside of his foot. Incredible, fantastic. It is a goal I cannot remember seeing on other occasions.”
In his subsequent press conference, the coach also identified areas Castro can improve.
“Castro is a striker. He did not do well in the first half: he was too static. He did better after the break and needs to work on his fitness. He has quality.”
Lulli’s Joy Delights Gasperini
Lulli’s goal provided another memorable moment, rewarding work on his movement towards the far post.
“The most beautiful thing was seeing Lulli’s face when he scored. This lad’s happiness, his uncontrollable joy. He did well, too, because he arrived at the far post, a situation that perhaps until recently he could not take advantage of, despite having the strength, speed, running ability and stamina to get there.
“He believed in it and found that goal. When you see these lads developing like this in their confidence and abilities, it is satisfying.”
Gasperini returned to the subject in his press conference.
“I am delighted. He is emerging and is an extraordinary lad. We have worked a lot on getting to the far post because he can do it. Tonight he got there: he read the trajectory of the shot. He absorbs everything and takes it with him.”
“Everyone Must Feel Like a Starter”
Gasperini rejected the suggestion that Roma had won with nine starters missing, stressing that the players selected were established members of his squad.
“First, there is something to clarify straight away: nine starters missing, absolutely not. Apart from Di Nunzio, who came on towards the end, all the others are part of the squad and had already played. It was not anyone’s first time.
“They are all lads who know very well that their minutes will be substantial in the end.”
With Roma navigating a demanding schedule, the coach wants responsibility shared throughout the group.
“We need everyone to truly feel like a starter. Perhaps some will play a little more and some a little less, but everyone will play a lot and everyone will be responsible for the team’s results.”
He also praised Marten de Roon’s durability and Leonardo Balerdi’s opportunity to complete a full match, while welcoming Konstantinos Koulierakis back into the defensive rotation.
“He played well against Messias, and that was not easy. He is young and solid, too: he can help us. I am pleased. Unfortunately, he got injured on international duty. Now he is well and is back in the rotation.”
Dybala Targeting Napoli Return
There was also a positive update on Dybala, although his return has not yet been confirmed.
“I expect and hope to have Dybala back for Napoli: I am confident. Tomorrow or the day after could be decisive. It would be important to have him on the bench against Slovan.”
Finally, asked about becoming one of only five coaches to reach 300 Serie A victories, Gasperini responded with a smile.
“It means a lot of time has passed, doesn’t it?”
Sources: Sky Sport, DAZN and Gian Piero Gasperini’s post-match press conference.
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