Roma secured Champions League football for next season following a goalless draw against already-relegated Verona, capping a successful campaign orchestrated by manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The result confirms a top-four finish for the club, marking Gasperini’s first season in the Italian capital.
Gasperini spoke to Dazn after the match, acknowledging the difficulty of the encounter despite Verona’s position in the table. He noted his team struggled even when playing with a numerical advantage, and praised the application shown by the players throughout the season, highlighting their ability to win over both critics and supporters during challenging moments.
The manager specifically credited January signing, Netherlands forward Steven Malen, for significantly elevating Roma’s attacking prowess. Gasperini stated that Malen provided a “jump in quality” to the team’s forward line, which had been depleted by injuries to Paulo Dybala and Fabio Soulé. He also revealed the team had been seeking a sustained run of victories, which ultimately materialized at a crucial time.
Gasperini further addressed the situation surrounding Paulo Dybala, expressing confidence that the Argentinian forward will remain with the club. He claimed to have facilitated discussions between the player and the club, stating that Dybala’s renewal was never in doubt. He also acknowledged the financial constraints the club faced, but believes Champions League qualification will alleviate those concerns and allow for squad strengthening.
Speaking to Sky Sport, Gasperini also fondly remembered bringing Stephan El Shaarawy into the Genoa first team at a young age, and celebrated his match-winning goal that secured Champions League qualification for Roma. He emphasized the strong bond within the squad and its connection with the fans, dismissing suggestions that the team was only capable of a sixth-place finish. He believes that with improvements to the squad, they can reach even greater heights. He cautioned, however, that Champions League success also carries risks, potentially leading to unexpected setbacks.
