Gian Piero Gasperini and Cesc Fabregas put aside their season-long tensions in a cordial exchange after Roma and Como both secured Champions League qualification on the final day of Serie A. Roma beat Verona while Como defeated Cremonese, and in a post-match interview on Dazn, the two managers traded compliments. Gasperini said: "I'm truly happy for Como, this year they were an expression of football. Except when they throw themselves on the ground and I bicker with him... But you were brilliant, really. A great example of football. Watching Como play has always been very pleasant." Fabregas interjected with a laugh: "Except when we play with the goalkeeper, mister!"
The pair's relationship had been strained throughout the season. At the Sinigaglia after Como's 2–1 victory over Roma, Gasperini refused to shake Fabregas's hand after the final whistle, prompting the Como manager to point out the snub. The confrontation escalated quickly enough to require intervention from Gasperini's staff. Fabregas later explained his position: "If I'm angry or happy, if I lose, win or get sent off, I always go and shake the opposition manager's hand. It seems like the right thing to do, the way I was brought up..." Gasperini countered: "I don't respect their behaviour on and off the pitch."
Tensions had already surfaced in the reverse fixture when Gasperini publicly criticised Como's style of play at the Olimpico, saying: "Como play a lot with the goalkeeper, unfortunately this is a situation spreading in football. It's not spectacular to have the goalkeeper playing more minutes with the ball at his feet, not to play, but to waste time. It's quite tedious, not in the spirit of football."
Testo Originale / Source Text
“I rapporti tra i due in questa stagione sono stati abbastanza tesi: dalle critiche per il gioco dei lariani all'Olimpico al mancato saluto al Sinigaglia Redazione 25 maggio - 00:00 Verona-Roma, che accoglienza per Gasperini: i bambini si inchinano e lui se la ride I verdetti della 38a e ultima…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.
