"SOMETHING IS MISSING": GIAN PIERO GASPERINI’S BLUNT ADMISSION AFTER ROMA’S LATEST BIG-MATCH DEFEAT TODAY
Gian Piero Gasperini remains hopeful despite Roma's 2-1 loss to Juventus, citing a "solid base" for the Giallorossi’s future.
Gian Piero Gasperini admits Roma struggles in big matches and they're obviously missing something compared to Juventus, but says they have some good stuff going on to build for the future.
It was another letdown for the Giallorossi in a big game this season, though at least Tommaso Baldanzi got a late goal back after all those 1-0 losses.
Francisco Conceicao's shot and a Lois Openda score after Mile Svilar's save on Weston McKennie were the goals against a changed defense.
Gasperini is staying hopeful after Roma's defeat.
We messed up too many passes when attacking. Otherwise, we had what we needed to make more chances, Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
We had more energy at the end, but we still lacked accuracy. We know that. I would also point to how well a lot of players did who don't normally start, and they were up against a strong Juventus team.
Roma should feel good tonight because there's a solid base here to make a great team. I think we can do well.”
Mario Hermoso and Artem Dovbyk were injured, and Evan Ndicka and Neil El Aynaoui were at the Africa Cup of Nations. Jan Ziolkowski got only his third start for the club, and Devyne Rensch filled in the back three to cover the gaps.
“We played Kenan Yildiz and Francisco Conceicao. "They know how to take players on and run into space," said Gasperini.
“Sadly, we let in a goal right at the end of the first half but didn't allow much until then. Once we were down, Juventus had more space to play in. But overall, it was a good showing, mostly from guys like Rensch and Ziolkowski who haven’t played a lot. With this base, we can do well.”
Roma didn't seem to have much bite on offense. Paulo Dybala in the False 9 role and Matias Soulé didn't do much, so why didn't Evan Ferguson in the attack?
“Ferguson still isn't winning me over, even in the second half today. It's not just his skills. He and some other new signings still haven’t really fit into the team, Gasperini stated.
“We have a very sound team. Sure, tonight Dybala and Soule didn't get the service they needed, but their skill is way above the others. I’d make the same choices if I had to do it again.
Leon Bailey came on as a sub but limped off again 20 minutes later with another muscle issue.
Roma's record in the big games is awful, and it's starting to hurt their spot in the standings.
“It’s true we've lost many of these head-to-head games, but we beat Como, Bologna, and Lazio—teams right behind us. If you lose three or four of these games, it means you're missing something compared to those teams, Gasperini admitted.
“Still, there's a strong club backing us, we have a good base, and we weren't outplayed in any of these games. We only started this plan a few months ago, so we need to continue focusing on the base to build a great future for Roma.”
This result means Roma are still in fourth, but only one point ahead of Juventus, and could fall further behind the top three when they get back from Supercoppa Italiana commitments to play their Serie A Week 16 games in January.
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
_1777371632.webp)
