Frustrated Gasperini: 'Horrible Roma performance, not sure we're stronger now'
Quick summary
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressed strong frustration after a 'horrible' performance from his team, admitting he is no longer certain the squad is stronger than before.
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Attributed to original sourceGian Piero Gasperini was furious after a ‘horrible’ 3-0 Roma defeat to Brighton and ‘cannot say if the team is stronger than last season’ after transfer struggles.
The Giallorossi have had a truly dismal pre-season, drawing 3-3 with Cannes after taking a 3-0 lead, then losing 4-1 to Cardiff City and 3-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion.
The only bright spot was a 4-1 victory over Newport County, but they are hardly to be considered at the level of a genuine test.
Their summer ends with a trip to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday August 15.
Gasperini rage at Roma defeat VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) “It was without doubt a horrible performance today,” confessed Gasperini to the media in Brighton.
“We’ve worked in a fairly good atmosphere this week, but we just played badly. I don’t think it’s a matter of sharpness, because we just weren’t working together as a squad, we lacked the right concentration.
“There are a few players coming off the World Cup, so certainly they are a bit drained and we must have some patience for them to fully recover.”
The defence is particularly worrying, as they have conceded 11 goals in four pre-season matches.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AS Roma at American Express Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) “I do get the feeling we’re not quite switched on yet. At least this is a period where we can afford to lose this badly,” noted Gasperini.
“These are in a way situations that can help us get switched back on, but the sensation is we’re still quite a long way behind schedule. We’ve done well with the group that started the summer, but there’s definitely a split in the squad.”
It has been a very frustrating summer for Roma and particularly Gasperini, who has not disguised his irritation at the delay in bringing him reinforcements, especially after qualifying for the Champions League.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Yasin Ayari of Brighton & Hove Albion scores the third goal during the pre-season friendly match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AS Roma at American Express Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) There was a new addition today, as it was confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a contract, after his previous deal had expired on June 30.
“Yes, but when can he start playing? Not for at least a month, so there’s no point talking about that now,” replied the coach.
“There are some teams out there who can’t work on the market because they have too many players, and we can’t because we’ve got too few.
“As always, the transfer window begins on July 1, but it all gets decided in the final 15 days of August. It’s not right, that’s when teams are already working and getting ready. It’s a problem for everyone.”
Gasperini again vented his irritation with the directors, including new Roma transfer chief Tony D’Amico.
When asked if he would rule out another big sale this summer, he urged the reporters to ask the CEO instead, and gave a strong response when asked if this Roma is stronger than last season.
“I don’t know. If I could, at this moment we replaced Zeki Celik with Nahuel Molina, who we’ve still got to meet on Tuesday. We replaced Artem Dovbyk with Santiago Castro, who gives me good sensations.
“Then we brought in this lad who seems interesting to complete the defence (referring to Konstantinos Koulierakis, ndr). If you just look at the numbers, I feel like we still need something.
“On who to go for and how to close those deals, that depends on situations. There are some good possibilities. D’Amico is trying to negotiate for very young players, who have a lot of talent, so that is the path,” concluded Gasperini.
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What happened
Following a disappointing Roma display, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini publicly criticised his team's showing, describing it as 'horrible'. His remarks suggest growing concern about the team's direction, with the coach openly questioning whether the squad has improved compared to earlier in the season. The comments come amid a period of pressure on Roma's campaign and reflect both tactical and morale issues within the group.
Chance analysis
A manager publicly questioning whether his team is 'stronger now' signals internal concern that goes beyond a single bad result. For prediction systems, this kind of open frustration often correlates with vulnerability in the next fixture and potential tactical adjustments. Roma's morale and cohesion appear strained, which could influence performance levels in upcoming matches.
Roma's confidence and morale are negatively affected, with the coach openly doubting the squad's progress, likely impacting upcoming performances.
Expect Roma to be vulnerable in their next fixture; Gasperini's public criticism suggests tactical adjustments and a potential dip in team confidence.