Gian Piero Gasperini says Roma’s growing list of goalscorers reflects the confidence running through his squad after the Giallorossi beat Udinese 5–2.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, the coach praised his players’ willingness to take responsibility in attack and singled out Daniele Ghilardi following his goal. There was less encouraging news on the injury front, with Gasperini admitting that Svilar, Koné and Dybala are all unlikely to return before the international break.
“So many players know they can make the difference”
Asked about Roma’s improved attacking numbers, Gasperini pointed to the belief shared throughout the team.
“Sometimes the numbers matter and tell you something. We are certainly scoring plenty of goals with lots of different players, and that is a sign of confidence — of so many players knowing they can make the difference, whether with an assist or a finish. For us, that is a great sign.”
Roma’s defenders have been part of that attacking contribution, with Ghilardi finding the net after having a spectacular effort ruled out against Slovan Bratislava.
“I’m fortunate to have everyone, including the older players, showing enormous commitment. Young players always do that because they want to establish themselves and improve. I have a fantastic mix who give me their total commitment.
“Ghilardi was pretty angry because he had a goal disallowed in the Champions League — a beautiful goal! He wanted to score one, and tonight he scored a wonderful goal.”
Gasperini unhappy with lapse in concentration
The five goals did not spare Roma from questions about their defending. Asked whether tightening up at the back would be necessary to challenge for the Scudetto, Gasperini put the performance in the context of the recent workload.
“I don’t know. The other teams competing for the top positions have little problems too. It is fairly normal. At half-time, we said we needed to keep defending well, but it is obvious…
“This was our eighth match in less than twenty days, and now we go to Manchester. You start to lose a little concentration more than physical strength.
“Palma’s goal was a poor one to concede, a sign that we had switched off a little. But whenever we could accelerate, we were still dangerous.”
The frustration was with Roma’s attention rather than their ability to keep attacking. Even during a demanding stretch, Gasperini felt his side remained capable of hurting Udinese whenever they raised the tempo.
Rotation helping Roma through demanding schedule
With Manchester United next, Gasperini admitted he could recall few periods as relentless as this one.
“I struggle to remember such a long spell with matches coming continuously, three a week. It happened in the Europa League year with Atalanta, when we went all the way in every competition, but that was around March or April.
“There is a lot of fatigue, and every match is at a high level. After the next international break, although there will still be plenty of fixtures, it will be a little less intense.
“Especially for us, having been without Svilar, Koné, Dybala and Pellegrini… Rotating the squad and giving everyone playing time is helping us.”
That reliance on the wider squad has brought opportunities for players such as Ghilardi, whose contribution at Udine gave Gasperini another reason to trust his alternatives.
Svilar, Koné and Dybala unlikely to return before the break
Asked whether any of Roma’s injured players could recover before the international window, Gasperini left a small opening but offered little certainty.
“It’s difficult. I hope so. In theory, Svilar, Koné and Dybala could, but it looks like a no for all of them. We’ll see during the week.”
Roma therefore head towards Manchester with the same injury concerns, but fresh evidence that the players available can share the responsibility. For Gasperini, that collective confidence was the most encouraging part of another prolific evening.
Source: Gian Piero Gasperini’s interview with DAZN, as transcribed by Il Romanista.
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