Gasperini confirms he snubbed Juventus for Roma: ‘More difficult’

Gian Piero Gasperini confirms he picked Roma over Juventus last summer as the Giallorossi offered a ‘more difficult’ challenge, but facing the Bianconeri is ‘always’ tough ‘because they have top-level players.’

Gasperini held a press conference on Friday on the eve of a Serie A match against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.

The Italian tactician provided the latest team news, saying that Mario Hermoso is not fully fit due to muscle fatigue, so he might be forced to make changes in defence as Evan Ndicka is also unavailable.

Roma hired Gasperini last summer, but reports suggested that Damien Comolli had offered him the Juventus job as well.

Gasperini has now explained why he chose the Giallorossi over the Bianconeri.

“Because it was more difficult. I’m happy with how it went,” Gasperini said via Sky Sport.

“Now we face this important match. Juve remain a great team, certainly strong and always able to reinforce themselves. Winning is always in their DNA; we come to this match after a good performance against Como and in Glasgow, and we want to test ourselves against this team.

“I think we’ve been good: 15 matches is a good streak to give some indications. I don’t know if we are among the best, but the boys have been excellent in almost all games, even when we didn’t manage to win,” Gasperini continued.

“It’s important for them to try to catch up and for us to maintain or increase our advantage. It’s December 19, concentration is at its peak, and it’s very exciting to play this match with this ranking. The rest can wait, this is not the time.”

Roma sit fourth in the Serie A table, with a four-point lead over fifth-placed Juventus, so tomorrow’s meeting is a key one in the race for a Champions League spot.

Gasperini was questioned about his relationship with Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti, who replaced Igor Tudor at the end of October.

“It’s certainly friendly. When he was at Inter, we happened to have dinner together and we often spoke when he was with the national team,” Gasp revealed.

“Now we talk less, but we will greet each other cordially. It’s not easy to be appointed mid-season, but he’s trying to bring his ideas. Facing them is always difficult because they have top-level players.

“The rivalry with Juventus is felt in all cities. I was at the club as a youth coach, and always finding motivated opponents toughened the team,” concluded the Roma coach.

“Instead of being a disadvantage, it becomes an advantage. Juve have always been a benchmark in my career. When you beat them, it means you are competitive, even in less successful seasons; they remain among the best teams.”