Gasperini’s comments following Roma v Torino

Here is what our coach had to say.

It was a bad night. You’ve conceded four goals in two games here in Rome. What didn’t work out tonight?

“I saw many good things, many players who came from behind twice during the match. We’ve rotated the squad a lot, of course, but it was still a balanced game. In the chances that followed, you could see that the game could have gone either way; we certainly could have won it. Then there was that corner kick that was a real blow for us. We thought we were going to the penalty shootout.”

What can you say about this transition period between what you already have and what will come?

“I’m very happy with what I have. We’ve had a very strong first half of the season and a good start to the second half as well. I’ve had great responses from all the players, who have always given it their all. Much is being said right now about the transfer window, but in the meantime, we have a match to play. I’m happy about these very young players: one is 16 years old and it’s an important process for him. Another player who is also very young has arrived. We’ll try to invest as much as we can in these players.”

Antonio Arena took part in three goal-scoring chances – including his goal – in 10 minutes.

“He’s certainly a player who has a great competitive drive, despite his young age. He has a lot of energy to offer and he’s not afraid to put himself out there; he’s already playing for national youth teams. But again, these are very young players. If this must be our principle, so be it. 

“It’s not true that I’m disappointed. I’m very satisfied. I’m disappointed by that goal we conceded in the 90^th minute. Otherwise, I don’t want to say that it would’ve been a performance for the history books, but it still would’ve been a positive one in terms of the spirit shown by all the players, because of these young players who even got fired up at one point; we even came close to winning with him on that pass by [Zeki] Celik. I believe it truly was a good game. 

“Then, if our goal is to invest in our players, that’s fine, as long as it’s all clear: let’s have sixteen-year-olds and U20 players play too, no problem.”

Coach, speaking of your time at Atalanta, the team had a lot of physical strength, intensity and quality. Here at Roma quality seems to prevail. Many quality players are coming…

“I don’t know what players you are referring to; maybe you are better informed than I am [laughs]. The team is certainly competitive, otherwise we wouldn’t have reached these results. Our game is and continues to be based on intensity. High-quality players are coming, as are very young ones. Tonight, for example, [Leon] Bailey was very lively even though he played out of position. Of course we are struggling in some situations, while in others we’re good. We need to understand whether we want to be competitive right now or continue to develop our young players, but either option is fine.”