GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Gian Piero Gasperini, AS Roma’s Head Coach, observes the action before the UEFA Europa League match against Rangers FC at Ibrox Stadium on November 06, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Gian Piero Gasperini praised his team’s ‘convincing performance’ as AS Roma secured a victory over Rangers in Glasgow, showcasing enhanced confidence and fitness levels throughout the squad.
After suffering two consecutive defeats in the Europa League against Lille and Viktoria Plzen, as well as frustrating losses in Serie A to Inter and Milan, the Giallorossi needed a boost.
Roma displayed control throughout the match at Ibrox, quickly gaining a 2-0 advantage thanks to Matias Soulé’s header from a corner, followed by Lorenzo Pellegrini’s strike from an Artem Dovbyk assist.
Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Display
“It was a convincing performance; winning in this atmosphere is never easy, as teams like Rangers bring physicality and intensity,” Gasperini remarked to Sky Sport Italia.
“Our first half was strong, although we faced some difficulties at the start of the second half, which is common in such matches.”
Despite initial struggles with scoring this season, Gasperini noted that Dovbyk showed improvement by assisting Pellegrini’s goal. “Communication is key in attack; it’s not about individual effort. That goal demonstrated our teamwork, which will help build confidence moving forward,” he stated.
“His fitness is certainly improving; he contributed to the second goal and held the ball effectively. He was close to scoring several times, and when a striker gets into those positions, he’s bound to find the net eventually,” Gasperini added.
With injuries affecting key players like Paulo Dybala, Evan Ferguson, Leon Bailey, and Angelino, Gasperini’s options were limited in this match. Tommaso Baldanzi was also ineligible for Europa League play.
What improvements does Gasperini think are still needed?
“While our performances have clearly improved, the results don’t always reflect that. Earlier in the season, we had favorable outcomes despite less convincing displays,” he explained.
“I believe that demonstrating high performance levels instills confidence, so even losses against Inter and Milan may benefit us more than some of those earlier victories. We currently play better and are creating more scoring chances,” he noted.
As it stands, Roma occupies 18th place in the Europa League with six points from four matches and a goal difference of +1, having won both their away games but lost both at home.