Gasperini: ‘Roma have further belief after defeat to Inter’

Gian Piero Gasperini insists Roma emerge stronger from the defeat to Inter, which was decided by an early goal. ‘Some losses give you further belief and conviction.’

The coach has left Atalanta, but continued his remarkably poor record against the Nerazzurri, now losing his last 10 meetings with them in a row.

It was Ange-Yoan Bonny who proved decisive after just six minutes, springing the offside trap on a Nicolò Barella assist to beat an uncertain Mile Svilar at the near post.

Although they poured forward, the Giallorossi failed to make their chances count, as using Paulo Dybala as a False 9 made little impact, while substitute Artem Dovbyk nodded over from a corner.

“It was a mistake in general to risk that offside situation with Bonny, it was not a dangerous situation and perhaps we hadn’t quite got the shape right that early into the game. These things happen after international duty as well, when other coaches expect different things,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was a situation that undoubtedly decided the match, but aside from that and the result, I remain convinced with the performance that we will do well. We tried everything to get the equaliser against a strong Inter side, some difficulties were inevitable.

“There are some defeats that give you further belief and conviction in your capabilities.”

Angelino was out with bronchitis, so Roma reshuffled the pack, putting Mario Hermoso and Evan N’Dicka in different defensive roles, Zeki Celik further forward, and switching Wesley over to the left flank.

“I thought the defence overall worked well tonight. Wesley and Celik had very good performances, we had consistent pressure down the flanks, more than in other matches. Both Hermoso and N’Dicka are left-footed, so I preferred to have Hermoso pushing forward. None of that was related to the goal we conceded.”

There was a nice hug at the final whistle between Gasperini and Inter coach Cristian Chivu, so what did they have to say?

“I was fortunate enough to get to know Chivu for the few days I remained at Inter, but he had a bad injury at that time. I always appreciated him as a player and a person, we met when he was the coach of Parma last season too.

“It was not easy for him to take over after Simone Inzaghi, but he is bringing his ideas and they are working well, as we saw again tonight,” smiled Gasperini.

Considering Napoli lost 1-0 to Torino earlier this evening, it had been an opportunity for Roma to go clear at the top of the table.

Instead, they have both been caught by Inter on 15 points, and this weekend could still be joined by Juventus, or even over-taken by Milan on 16 if there are wins on Sunday.