Gasperini ‘did not expect so many difficulties’ in Roma 2-0 Verona | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini admits Roma ‘didn’t expect so many difficulties’ in the 2-0 victory against Verona, as squad rotation is going to become crucial in future.

This was the third victory in a week for the Giallorossi, who saw off rivals Lazio 1-0, then won 2-1 away to OGC Nice in the Europa League, and this afternoon swept Verona aside 2-0.

“I was well aware of the difficulties that several players were having, as it was the first time this season we had three games in a week, and not everyone recovered fully,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.

“We frankly didn’t expect that, so we need to reflect and evaluate on it going forward.”

Gasperini learning about Roma limitations

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico on September 28, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Not only did they finally get more than one goal in Serie A, it was also the breakthrough for Artem Dovbyk and Matias Soulé, but Roma really rode their luck thanks to some awful Verona finishing and great Mile Svilar saves.

“We had problems today that we hadn’t in other games, it was obvious that some players were struggling with sharpness today. When Verona pushed forward, they were able to pass it around with greater ease than usual.

“It’s a pity, we were also not incisive enough on the transition, and we struggled more than we should’ve done.”

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Artem Dovbyk with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico on September 28, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

It remains a remarkable defensive start to the campaign, conceding just one goal in five Serie A rounds.

That is something Roma managed only three times before, in 2014-15, 2013-14 and 1991-92.

“If Roma have such a good defensive record, a lot of that is down to Svilar. He doesn’t just make exceptional saves, he is also a guarantee when starting play from the back. Undoubtedly, we have a great goalkeeper,” said Gasperini.

Awaiting Napoli’s trip to Milan this evening, Roma are temporarily joint top of the table.

“It is pleasing to see these results, but this is a moment of the season where we’re taking it one game at a time, there is a very long way to go and we need to keep improving throughout the squad.

“That also means getting players like Pellegrini, Dovbyk and Hermoso back into the fold, we had Ziolkowski’s debut today too, there are others who can help and we’ll need them if we have these difficulties every time we play three games in a week.”