Gian Piero Gasperini had consistently voiced concerns about player fatigue following the victory against Verona and ahead of his AS Roma side`s Europa League defeat to Lille. His words, which highlighted the team`s struggles with recovery and a noticeable lack of spirit compared to their opponents, Verona, proved remarkably prophetic. Gasperini specifically pointed to the physical toll, noting, “We paid a bit for the fatigue: we need to reflect on it. There was someone in difficulty from the point of view of recovery: Verona often had more spirit than us.” He elaborated further, “There was fatigue, so we often arrived second to the ball. We suffered in defense, with little ability to recover the ball. We suffered, which must make me reflect. It was the first time we played three games in 7 days, it was a novelty to see who recovers well and who doesn`t. We must get used to it quickly.” These warnings rang true during the subsequent loss to Lille at the Olimpico.
Although the match against Lille remained open and AS Roma could have realistically secured at least a draw, the team displayed a general sluggishness, perhaps more mental than physical, which ultimately prevented them from turning the result around. “It`s all experience,” remarked the former Atalanta coach, Gasperini, who is well-versed in navigating demanding schedules with games every three days across multiple competitions. It is precisely this kind of experience that his Roma squad must rapidly acquire to compete effectively in European tournaments and sustain their challenge for a top spot in Serie A.
