Gasperini reacts to Sassuolo victory

This is what he had to say:

Are you pleased with how the team improved throughout the game?

“Yes, definitely. We played well in the first half too but we didn't have anything to show for it because when we reached the edge of the box we failed to produce, regardless of any difficulties we have. In the second half we upped the tempo and we were a lot better on a technical level. I could see the things I often see on the training ground, with us exchanging quick passes and creating lots of dangerous situations. These lads deserve so much credit: they show amazing character and commitment but I'm also very pleased with their quality.”

Paulo Dybala is playing well but finding it hard to shoot. 

“He's waiting for the right game – maybe when we need a goal the most. I'm happy with him. The main thing is he keeps on playing and is enjoying his football. He displayed an incredible repertoire this evening. We saw it against Lecce and in other games too. The goals will come. He'll rediscover his shooting power. He'll be able to shoot hard and accurately again as he used to.”

The league table is looking good and the future looks rosy. Tomorrow will be an important day for Giacomo Raspadori's decision. Does anyone need to think about joining Roma at the moment?

“I'm not going to get into that. It's all very unpleasant. I'll only talk about my players and they're performing incredibly well. I say that also out of respect for these players who are giving their all.”

Why do you say unpleasant?

“Unpleasant because it's not right to talk about players who belong to another club. We spend too much time talking about players who aren't here. We should talk about the ones who are here. I see lots of clubs sign players you know nothing about and then they unveil them, and when they unveil them you realise and you think: 'Oh, so they've signed so-and-so.' We on the other hand go on talking for months about players who aren't Roma players. In the meantime we're playing in the league and in the cups and we're playing with the lads we've got, but we keep feeding all the TV shows and the media by talking about players who aren't Roma players.”

How is Evan Ferguson?

“He took a knock. He's quite badly bruised. We'll see tomorrow. I think he was unlucky and took a painful blow which can half-paralyse you. I'm sorry for him. We'll see tomorrow. I don't think it's a muscle problem that would mean a long time out.”

Roma's second goal today was top quality all round. Can Matias Soule play in the middle as well, not just on the wing?

“That was something I tried at the start of the season then after a few games we put it to one side. I think he has the ability to do that because he's strong and in that area of the pitch he can provide flair and creativity. It's not always possible, not always something we can do, but he did really well tonight. I ask him to try and think a bit more clearly because in training he does some exceptional things close to the goal. In matches he needs to get ten metres closer but he's doing very well.”