The coach after the loss to Lille: `I`ve never seen three penalties missed all at once. These matches help us grow. Perhaps the lack of direct elimination reduced the tension.`
It was a surreal defeat, Roma`s first in Europe, and the first in history where three penalties were missed, with two even having to be retaken by the referee due to Lille players encroaching. Gasperini wore a wry smile at the end of the match: “I had never experienced missing three penalties in a single game before. It`s a unique feeling, unfortunately. These errors compromised the result; if we had scored, perhaps we could have turned the game around in the final moments.” Instead, an unexpected loss occurred.
No Room for Drama
However, the coach refused to dramatize the situation: “We conceded an early goal, which put Lille in the best possible position. But I believe that, apart from a few technical mistakes, Roma played with intensity and rhythm. We did give away some chances, but European matches are often more open. We weren`t strong enough to capitalize on our opportunities. Yet, these games help us mature, and I am convinced that we emerge with some added value.” Gasperini thus dismissed concerns and urged the team to look ahead. “Lille is a fast team with technical quality,” the coach reiterated. “I repeat, the team spirit was very high. Unfortunately, technical errors make the difference, and I`m not just talking about penalties. I`m also referring to our clearances from the back. Am I worried? There are eight matches in the Europa League; perhaps the absence of direct elimination`s pressure sometimes lowers concentration.”
Dybala`s Status
The risk for Dovbyk now is struggling to overcome the double penalty miss, but Gasperini quickly dispelled any such notion: “We are athletes; there`s no way we get disheartened by two missed penalties. Fortunately, we play every three days, offering a chance to bounce back. Those who play sports must be happy when they win and learn when they lose. I don`t even want to hear the word `resignation.`” Looking ahead to the Fiorentina match, Gasperini is not expecting Dybala to return. The coach also took a jab at Massara, who had previously predicted `La Joya`s` possible return before the game: “He hasn`t trained with the team yet; we`ll see if he manages tomorrow, but it seems too soon. Perhaps Massara knows something more. But I don`t believe it.”
