Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the media before and after Roma's second Serie A match against Lecce at the Via del Mare on 31 August 2026, reflecting on a team transformed by a year of experience and new reinforcements. The coach dismissed the notion that Roma were unprepared at the start of the season, saying: "We are in good shape. We've played two matches despite the extremely hot weather and a pre-season conducted in the heat. The lads have worked brilliantly and now we are recovering players who were at the World Cup, like Koné and Malen himself. The squad is being completed too—new players have arrived. We're waiting for tomorrow when the transfer window finally closes; I can't take any more of it so we can talk only about football."
Gasperini defended Roma's existing players, noting that their quality was always evident but needed reinforcement at the same level. "This is an extraordinary group in terms of morality and values," he said. "They always put their faces on the line even when things go badly and they are attached to Roma; they play with passion, which is a fundamental component for sport and especially for football." The opening two victories by 4–0 reflected work done last season and the third-place finish that had given the squad confidence. Gasperini emphasized the value of continuity, particularly with Paulo Dybala and Malen. "If Dybala and Malen were always in these conditions, everything would be much easier," he said. "But we know that is not how it is." The coach also noted that Marten de Roon's arrival at midfield would strengthen the team further, and highlighted the recruitment of Leonardo Balerdi in defence and Rodrigo Mora in attack as key additions to deepen the squad.
When asked about Donyell Malen's quality, Gasperini drew a comparison to a legendary striker: "I've been lucky enough to coach many strong forwards—at Genoa, Milito—but this is a bit different. Milito reminds me of him a little. He has the ability to control, shoot and accelerate over a few metres that burns defenders. These are extraordinary characteristics for a centre-forward; we both wanted him to play there and we made a nice gamble." On the question of whether he expected such a positive approach from Lecce, Gasperini said: "We didn't expect to be 3–0 up after 25 minutes. Football matches are always very balanced and difficult. Lecce arrived on the back of an away win with a full stadium. You have to underline the merits of my team too—for the personality and confidence with which the lads entered the pitch." He dismissed speculation that Manu Koné could leave: "Absolutely not. This is a media thing. Nobody has ever spoken to me about it. I also know the ownership is not in agreement with sales. We have never received official offers; it is something to deny absolutely."
Gasperini stressed that Roma's mental strength derived from a year of learning together and experiences at difficult away grounds. "Certainly from our knowledge of the game and the experiences of a year," he explained. "We are further ahead than we were a year ago. It's not just a tactical matter—these lads have always been serious, I've never had a problem. It is extraordinary, the environment that has been created inside our dressing room." On the title race, Gasperini tempered expectations: "Every team is different and has different characteristics. I would focus on living the moment—a team that delivers these kinds of performances and results gives joy to the fans. On the championship, we must watch our opponents. At this moment many teams in Italian football are strengthening. Not only Inter, which has a straight advantage, but also Como. The big teams are still there. We must think about ourselves, our path and try to complete our squad given the many matches we have to play."
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Roma have made a perfect start under Gian Piero Gasperini, securing two consecutive 4-0 victories in their opening Serie A matches. The latest win came against Lecce on 31 August 2026 at the Via del Mare. Both outlets attribute the dominant performances to the squad's mental strength and character, with Gasperini telling the media that the group possesses "extraordinary" moral values and passion for the club. The manager credited Roma's second-year advantage under his stewardship, noting that experience gained over the past twelve months—including their third-place finish last season—has given the squad greater knowledge and confidence. He also highlighted the contribution of new signings, including Marten de Roon in midfield, Leonardo Balerdi in defence, and Rodrigo Mora in attack, which have deepened the squad's quality.
Gasperini offered particular praise for Donyell Malen's development, drawing a comparison to former striker Sergio Milito and emphasizing the forward's "extraordinary characteristics" in control, shooting and acceleration over short distances. The coach dismissed speculation over departures, stating emphatically that Manu Koné will not leave the club. Gasperini explained that no official offers have been received and that the club's ownership does not agree to sales. GialloRossi.net reports him saying he "can't take any more" of the transfer window drama ahead of its closure, while both outlets note his comments on the title race, where he acknowledged Inter's "straight advantage" but identified Como as an emerging threat alongside traditional contenders Milan, Napoli and Juventus.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“Gian Piero Gasperini interviene ai microfoni dei giornalisti in occasione di Lecce-Roma, gara valida per la seconda giornata di Serie A. Queste le dichiarazioni del tecnico giallorosso nel prepartita e poi al termine del match del Via del Mare.
Spazzate via il luogo comune che all’inizio non c’è…”
Read the full article in Italian at GialloRossi.net.
