Bologna 1-1 Roma – Gasperini claims: ‘A draw isn’t bad, it was a fair result’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini insisted a 1-1 draw was a fair reflection of the contest after Roma were held by Bologna in the Europa League round of 16 first leg at the Renato Dall’Ara, leaving the tie perfectly poised ahead of next week’s return at the Olimpico.

It was a physical, demanding evening for the visitors, with Bologna’s intensity and the atmospheric backdrop of a packed Dall’Ara making life uncomfortable for a youthful Roma side.

Gasperini acknowledged as much after the final whistle, though he was broadly satisfied with what his team produced in difficult circumstances.

“It was a match where they put a lot into the physical side, a bit like at Genoa,” he said, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“We adapted well, created dangerous situations in the first half, though we were slightly under them at times and the stadium played its part too.”

Federico Bernardeschi’s role caused Roma some problems, though Gasperini was reluctant to single it out as the defining factor.

“Bernardeschi always plays in that zone, he did excellent things and Bologna have strong players,” he said. “The result is probably fair because we also had plenty of dangerous chances.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, embraces Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Roma coach Gasperini looks forward to second leg against Bologna

On Roma’s equaliser, Gasperini dismissed any suggestion of elaborate planning.

“It was not a set piece we had specifically worked on,” he said, before offering a broader observation about the nature of modern football.

“Second balls have become decisive, the pressing forces you to play long, and you end up playing this rugby-football. I think it is partly a seasonal thing, as temperatures change and games open up, you tend to see more technical football.”

With the second leg to come at the Olimpico, Gasperini is confident the dynamic will shift in Roma’s favour.

“At our stadium it will be decisive, and both teams can play a different game,” he said.

“The home crowd will not allow this kind of approach, we will need to build something more on the technical side.”

He was also quick to defend his players’ attitude, pushing back on any criticism. “The courage and desire were not lacking, we created four or five chances. There was a quality opponent in front of us and Roma’s performance was absolutely not negative.”