Gasperini demand for ‘variety’ and pushing Roma beyond comfort zone | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini explains why he demands ‘variety’ from his Roma strikers after their win over Pisa maintained a 100 per cent record. ‘I don’t believe a player should be limited to his comfort zone.’

It has been an unusually strong defensive start to the campaign for the Giallorossi, as this was their second 1-0 victory after beating Bologna by the same result last week.

Matias Soulé scored the decisive goal in the second half, in a move created by substitute Paulo Dybala, who brings extra quality to the side and is still not 100 per cent fit after surgery.

“Overall, the performance was very good. We struggled at the beginning, as Pisa were well-organised and very physical, they are always dangerous on high balls, but we slowly emerged and then did really well in the second half. I feel we could’ve scored more than one goal,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was a great team move for the goal with all three forwards involved. If we can manage to play like this, we can find the breakthrough against teams who are used to soaking up pressure.”

Manu Koné was playing in a surprisingly wide and more attacking role than usual, including his late run to set up Artem Dovbyk.

“Koné has this ability to play wide or more centrally in midfield. Bryan Cristante was very central today, so we needed the others to move slightly differently. When Koné picks up speed, he is hard to contain, and found a lot of space in those areas. He is a very effective dribbler, too.”

Gasperini has new vision for Roma forwards

PISA, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Gian Piero Gasperini manager of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AS Roma at Arena Garibaldi on August 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Stephan El Shaarawy went off at half-time to bring on Dybala, and this is where Roma seemed to spring into life.

“Dybala was starting on the left behind Soulé was doing very well on the right and I didn’t want to move him from there,” explained Gasperini.

“Paulo can play anywhere, on the left, as a Number 10, as a centre-forward. Naturally, he can cut inside and shoot with the left foot, but I don’t believe a player should be limited to his comfort zone, he can go in any attacking area and know what to do.

“I want that for Soulé too, they mustn’t just work on their favoured foot, they need to have that variety.”

PISA, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AS Roma at Arena Garibaldi on August 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

There had been warnings that Roma needed patience when starting a whole new approach under Gasperini, but they are joint top of the Serie A table with a 100 per cent record.

“That is the most extraordinary thing about this squad I inherited from Claudio Ranieri, who had a fantastic second half of the season, even if they played with a different system and tactical concepts. They were alert and ready to follow me from the very first day, perhaps because they came so close to qualifying for the Champions League and had that determination to do even better.

“When you have those components of professionalism, focus and determination, you are off to a good start,” concluded Gasperini.