Gasperini ‘not disappointed’ by Roma’s Coppa Italia exit: ‘I wouldn’t blame anyone’

Gian Piero Gasperini insists that he is ‘not disappointed’ by Roma’s Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Torino on Tuesday night, believes that goalkeeper Mile Svilar is not to blame for the goals the Giallorossi conceded, and says that 16-year-old Antonio Arena is ‘very well developed’ for his age. 

Roma were knocked out of the Coppa Italia after a 3-2 defeat at home against Torino on Tuesday night. A brace from Che Adams and a last-minute winner from Emirhan Ilkhan were enough to see off strikes from Mario Hermoso and the teenage Arena with his first touch in senior football.

You can see how the action unfolded on the Football Italia Liveblog.

At the beginning of his post-match press conference, Gasperini was immediately asked if he wants more strikers during the January, to which he replied: “I might have expected that in July, it’s difficult in January.

“We’ve done well so far and we want to continue. We did well tonight as well. I congratulate these guys. It’s too bad the night was ruined, it could have been one to praise us. I congratulate them (Torino).”

Heading into Sunday’s Serie A match, which will again be played against Torino, Gasperini said: “It will be a different game.”

And on whether Marco Baroni has ‘got the better of him’, Gasp said: “I don’t know, you make your evaluations.”

When asked if Svilar was a disappointment this evening, Gasperini replied: “There is some regret about the goals we conceded, but that happens. They could have been avoided, but it was a hard-fought game. I wouldn’t throw the blame at anyone.”

And on 16-year-old Arena’s goalscoring debut, Gasperini said: “The goal is a good sign, that will be something that sticks with him. He’s physically strong, he’s not afraid of anything and has great stamina. I don’t know if he will always be a centre-forward, he still has to grow. For his age, he’s very well developed.”

Gasperini concluded that he was not disappointed with the performance that he saw from his team on the night. 

“These players are extraordinary, I’m sorry for them. I’m quite satisfied,” he said. 

“We played with Bailey up front, and he put in a shift we’ve not seen before. He’s a player who’s had to fight back, it was a good showing after several months of injuries.

“Now it’s time for the league. I’m sorry for the group and for the fans, but it’s tough to play in all competitions. We have to accept it. I’m not disappointed.”