Gian Piero Gasperini insists Roma should see the glass half full after their 2-2 draw with Inter. ‘There is a lot of positivity in this side, both teams could’ve won it.’
This was the head-to-head at the top of the table between the only teams with a perfect record, and it was a game of two halves at the Stadio Olimpico.
Manu Koné had put the Giallorossi 2-0 up going into the break, but Lautaro Martinez scored twice to keep them stuck together in first place.
Gasperini sees Roma positives
“I think we played on level terms, both teams could’ve won at different points,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.
“Scoring the goal straight after the restart was an energy booster for a great Inter team, they can always score goals, but we had our chances too. This match must give us confidence going forward.”
While Roma had been reticent to admit they were in the title race, this performance will have confirmed that they are along with Inter the most effective side in Serie A right now.
“Everyone has margin for improvement. We should be happy with our progress and the quality we put into these matches, not just fitness and enthusiasm, there is a lot of positivity in this side and we should continue along this path.”
Both teams had the chance to win it, but Roma looked fatigued towards the end and were forced into several substitutions.
“Undoubtedly we had a lot more spaces in the first half and were dangerous with every attack,” continued Gasperini.
“I had to make changes, as Balerdi needed to come off, and that is a pity, but Dybala held on to the end, so did Soulé. We had the feeling that if we could sustain their pressure, the game was open, and we have to be satisfied with that.”
Roma conceded only four goals this season, but three of them came in the opening five minutes after the restart.
“It’s probably not a coincidence, because the way we conceded was too superficial and even presumptuous. We were in control and could’ve been damaging in the second half too. Having said that, even with a few players struggling, Roma still tried to win and had an incredible chance for 3-1 with Malen firing it onto the goalkeeper’s face.
“We never held back against a strong opponent, both in technical and physical terms.”
Inter were always something of a bogey team for Roma, who haven’t beaten them at the Stadio Olimpico since October 2016.
“We focus on ourselves, we must be aware that in some situations we can be truly a good team. We are a physical side, but we need to work on finding consistency, as we’ve got a lot of games after the break for international duty, so will need to use everyone in the squad.”
If Como and Lazio win this weekend, then they will catch Roma and Inter in joint top spot on 13 points.
