Coach Gian Piero Gasperini declined to address the media following Roma’s 2-0 victory over Lecce, amidst speculation regarding his strained relationship with the club’s management.
No specific reason was provided for his absence from the post-match obligations, and he did not send a representative in his stead.
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The Giallorossi faced significant challenges at the Stadio Via del Mare, missing nine players due to suspensions, injuries, international commitments, and flu symptoms.
Rising Tension for Gasperini at Roma
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini watches the game before the Serie A match between US Lecce and AS Roma at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026, in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Remarkably, despite these setbacks, they secured three points, with goals from under-pressure strikers Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk.
Unfortunately, there was a setback when Dovbyk, shortly after scoring, left the pitch with a thigh injury.
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This win keeps Roma at least joint fourth in the standings for another week, but they face increasing pressure from Juventus and Como.
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 06: Artem Dovbyk of AS Roma celebrates with teammates after netting his team’s second goal during the Serie A match against US Lecce at Stadio Via del Mare on January 06, 2026, in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
With the transfer window now open, Roma is actively pursuing new players, with ongoing discussions concerning Atletico Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori and Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
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Reportedly, Gasperini met with club directors and owners yesterday to strategize, but he expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the talks.
Earlier today, Roma director Frederic Massara spoke to Sky Sport Italia before the match and stated that the search for a striker was “not an emergency.”