Gasperini surprise as he refuses to speak to media after Roma victory

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini did not speak to the media after Roma’s 2-0 victory away to Lecce, amid rumours of tension with the club hierarchy.

There was no formal reason given for his refusal to attend the post-match appointments, nor did he send an assistant in his place.

The Giallorossi were decimated at the Stadio Via del Mare this evening, between suspension, injuries, international duty and flu symptoms missing nine players.

It was therefore a definite boost that they emerged with three points, especially as the goals were scored by under-fire centre-forwards Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk.

However, there was bad news when substitute Dovbyk pulled up clutching the back of his thigh and limped off soon after the goal.

Roma made sure with this victory that they remain in at least joint fourth spot for another round, but there is growing pressure from both Juventus and Como.

The transfer window is also open, and Roma are expected to be in the thick of it, with negotiations for Atletico Madrid striker Giacomo Raspadori and Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.

It was reported that Gasperini met with the directors and owners yesterday to discuss strategy, but that he was frustrated at the lack of progress.

Roma director Frederic Massara spoke to Sky Sport Italia this evening before kick-off and said the search for a striker was “not an emergency.”