Gian Piero Gasperini after Roma’s 3 missed penalties v Lille: “I’ve never seen that before” | OneFootball

Serie A side Roma lost 1-0 to Lille in their second game of the UEFA Europa League.

The result came about in unique circumstances, as Roma missed as many as three penalties in the tie. Artem Dovbyk missed two – including one retake. And after a second one was saved, it had to be taken again. Matias Soule also missed from the spot.

Lille had taken the lead early in the game through Hakon Haraldsson and the goal proved to be the winner.

Gasperini spoke to reporters after the tie and said, via Corriere dello Sport: “I’ve never seen three missed penalties in one match. It was an almost unique, random situation, which ultimately compromised the result.”

The Italian also spoke about Roma’s performance in the tie and made it clear that his side did play well.

“We went behind very early and put them in the best position to play on the counterattack. In the end, however, despite a few technical errors, Roma played with great desire and pace, chasing a result until the very end. Unfortunately, we weren’t strong in capitalizing on our opportunities. However, I think we’ll emerge from this match with a bit more strength.”

He also urged his side to make fewer mistakes.

“Then there are the technical errors that make the difference. We need to make fewer mistakes, but I also have to look at the good things the team did.”

Roma now have three points in two Europa League games, having beaten Nice in their first game. It is clear that Gasperini’s system is slowly starting to work and it is only a matter of time before it reaches perfection.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN