Gian Piero Gasperini reflected on Roma’s mixed performance during their Europa League elimination against Bologna, acknowledging both the team’s highs and lows. He expressed a desire to replicate certain attacking patterns seen at Atalanta, but noted a significant lack of options due to injuries.
The Giallorossi found themselves on the back foot for much of the tie, first finishing the first leg at 1-1 and then rallying from a 3-1 deficit in the second leg, managing to take the game into extra time thanks to goals from Evan Ndicka, Donyell Malen, and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Advertisement
The match ultimately swung in Bologna’s favor through Nicolò Cambiaghi, whose clever finish clinched a 4-3 victory for Bologna on the night, resulting in a 5-4 aggregate win.
Gasperini Expresses Frustration Over Roma’s Performance
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match against Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico, Rome.
“It was a captivating match, and we leave with a sense of deep regret as we showcased both the best and worst of our abilities tonight,” Gasperini stated in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.
Advertisement
“The positive aspect was our overall performance; the negative was the goals we allowed, which forced us to always chase the game despite our good moments. It’s unfortunate that despite this performance, we also committed critical mistakes.”
Errors in defense allowed Bologna to take a commanding 3-1 lead, and Gasperini also critiqued Gianluca Mancini for his complaints following a skirmish leading to the first goal.
“Mancini was down after a shirt tug, which left Rowe unmarked. While it was a unique situation, we were naïve to allow it to happen.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Mario Hermoso of AS Roma celebrates following the first goal scored by Evan Ndicka during the match against Bologna FC 1909.
Advertisement
The defeat marks a continued slump for Roma, who have not won in five competitive fixtures and have fallen from fourth to sixth in the Serie A standings.
“At this stage of the season, the stakes rise, the pressure increases, and fatigue becomes apparent. This team has considerable spirit, having recovered from conceding a penalty just before half-time and responded to being 3-1 down, indicating that the momentum was on our side,” Gasperini observed.
“However, mistakes like those can lead to losses—that’s evident.”
Manu Koné’s early injury limited Gasperini’s substitution options, as he utilized only two changes in regulation time and a total of four out of a maximum six allowed.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Santiago Castro of Bologna faces Manu Kone of AS Roma amid the Europa League match.
Advertisement
Roma’s attacking options were severely impacted by the absence of Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk, and Evan Ferguson, with Lorenzo Venturino excluded from the UEFA list.
“In extra time, fatigue set in, and we were unable to make necessary changes. Bologna brought in three fresh forwards, making it tough for us. Losing four or five players from the same area of the squad undoubtedly takes a toll,” Gasperini noted.
“Despite this, Malen has transformed our offensive play, adding more danger to our attacks. Earlier in the season, we scored through multiple players, but the deficiency in attacking depth is an issue we’ve faced since the beginning of the season.”
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, and Vincenzo Italiano, Head Coach of Bologna, pose for a photo ahead of the match.
Advertisement
Despite having previously won the Europa League with Atalanta, Gasperini has found his transition to Roma quite challenging, including tensions surrounding the team’s squad composition.
“I came to Roma with aspirations of recreating certain attacking styles, but injuries and the inability to secure players fitting those profiles have thwarted our efforts. Nevertheless, my players have consistently exerted tremendous effort, including tonight.”
“Over the past week, against Como and Bologna, I cannot overly criticize my players, as they have delivered strong performances.”
Another impactful January signing was Robinio Vaz, who came off the bench to consistently challenge defender Jhon Lucumi and even earned a penalty.
“He is undoubtedly young and represents a significant investment, leading to high expectations. He requires time to mature but brings energy and strength. For future success, however, we need players with more experience and pedigree.”