Gasperini backs Roma to recover after ‘devastating’ Real Madrid defeat

Gian Piero Gasperini said he never doubted Roma’s mental strength after they responded to their “devastating” defeat by Real Madrid with a 2-0 win over Genoa in Serie A.

Roma had been under pressure after successive draws against Inter and Como, then surrendered a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 against Real Madrid last Wednesday. But they secured an important victory against Genoa, with Santiago Castro and Emanuele Loli scoring their first goals for the club.

Genoa frustrated Roma for much of the opening 45 minutes, but Gasperini’s side eventually found a way through after the break.

“It was not an easy match because Genoa were very difficult opponents, particularly in the first half when they used long balls behind our defence,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We played better after the interval and used a very young line-up, but I have to say the players were excellent. It was a very important win.”

Roma made seven changes to the starting team that faced Real Madrid. Their options were also limited by injuries to Paulo Dybala, Manu Kone, Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante, while top scorer Donyell Malen was suspended for one Serie A match.

“I know this group and I never doubted its mental strength,” said the Italian manager. “But it remained a complicated game and we needed a moment of magic to break the deadlock.”

The victory continued a marked improvement in Roma’s attacking output during Gasperini’s second season in charge. They have scored 16 goals so far this campaign, compared with seven at the same stage last season.

Real Madrid defeat still hurts

Gasperini admitted the manner of the loss to Real Madrid had been difficult to accept after Roma performed strongly for more than an hour. They then conceded three similar goals from corners in the space of about seven minutes.

“Losing in that way was devastating because our performance had been excellent and we deserved a better result,” he said. “We ruined the match for ourselves by conceding three goals from corners in around seven minutes.

“Before that, Real Madrid were not creating danger against us. We were the team making the chances.”

He added that the nature of the defeat had fuelled Roma’s response against Genoa.

“That was what made us angry, so I never doubted we would react well in today’s match,” Gasperini said. “Many of the players who featured against Genoa had watched the Real Madrid game from the bench, and I knew they would play with great energy and a desire to show what they could do on the pitch.”

Gasperini also stressed that Genoa’s challenge should not be underestimated.

“Genoa may not have players of Real Madrid’s calibre, but they are very well organised tactically, so we needed some time to deal with them,” he said.

Roma host Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday before travelling to face Napoli, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, in Serie A next Saturday.