ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 09: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, observes the action during the Serie A clash between AS Roma and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on November 09, 2025. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gian Piero Gasperini expressed that it is right for AS Roma fans to start envisioning a Scudetto title as they head into the international break at the top of the Serie A with a 2-0 victory over Udinese on Sunday.
Despite having played just days before in a Europa League win away against Glasgow Rangers, the Giallorossi showed no signs of fatigue, with Lorenzo Pellegrini scoring from the penalty spot and Zeki Celik adding a second goal to seal the result against Udinese.
Artem Dovbyk departed the match with a hip injury just before halftime, joining Paulo Dybala, Evan Ferguson, Leon Bailey, and Angelino on the injury list, leaving Roma without any available centre-forwards.
This win positions Roma firmly at the top of the table as they approach the international break, although they may soon be challenged by Inter should Cristian Chivu’s team defeat Lazio at San Siro later tonight.
Catch all the action from Sunday’s Serie A matches on the Football Italia Liveblog.
Gasperini: ‘It’s a joy that Roma fans are dreaming of the Scudetto’
“It’s wonderful that fans are aspiring for the Scudetto,” Gasperini shared with DAZN after the game. “We’re at the top of the table as we head into the international break, and that brings great pride and satisfaction for the supporters. We’ll discuss percentages and probabilities later.”
Commenting specifically on the match against Udinese, he stated: “The team performed admirably against a tough opponent. We played with high intensity and determination. Although fatigue set in during the closing moments, overall, I was very pleased with our performance given the opposition’s quality.”
Former captain Lorenzo Pellegrini converted a penalty in the game and has stepped up significantly in Dybala’s absence. “He’s an excellent player, healthy, and maturing well,” Gasperini noted.
“He’s a strong footballer and it was essential to restore the confidence he deserved. We’re pleased that he’s doing well physically; his success also translates to our success,” he added.
When asked if Pellegrini would continue as the penalty kicker upon Dybala’s return, he replied, “Whoever is in form takes them. Converting penalties is something we need to improve on. Pellegrini is effective, but Dybala also has an excellent track record.”
Regarding Dovbyk’s condition, Gasperini remarked, “We’ll assess it tomorrow. It doesn’t look promising. Thankfully, we have a break before our next fixture, but such injuries can sideline a player for two to three weeks, potentially affecting five to six games. We’ve been managing a lot of absences in the same area but have adapted well so far. We hope to have the majority of our players back during the break.”