Ghilardi says Champions League debut was emotional and Roma want to beat Napoli too

Gian Piero Gasperini and Massimiliano Allegri shared a light-hearted exchange on Sky Sport after both sides won their Champions League matches, setting up Napoli against Roma. Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0, while Napoli beat Bodø/Glimt 4-3. The fixture is at the Maradona on Saturday. The pair's on-air banter was a playful preview of the weekend's clash. Gasperini opened by telling Allegri, "Ciao Max, arrivo arrivo. Ci vediamo sabato" ("Hi Max, I'm coming, I'm coming. See you Saturday"). Allegri replied that both teams had won and were arriving in good spirits, adding: "Non avevate nemmeno bisogno, noi un po' di più di voi" ("You didn't even need to, we needed it a bit more than you"). Gasperini had the final word, laughing as he said: "Adesso basta però, non esageriamo" ("That's enough now, let's not overdo it"). The exchange was a lighthearted moment as both coaches looked ahead to Saturday's Serie A encounter at the Maradona, with Roma arriving on a strong European result.

Daniele Ghilardi spoke to reporters after Roma's 3-0 win...

Roma defender Ghilardi has spoken to Sky Sport after a performance that he says showed he is ready to play for Roma, and he hopes to build on it with more consistent minutes. Ghilardi played only a small amount this season but was among the best players whenever he appeared. Against Real Madrid he set up the assist that unlocked the game, and he also had a goal ruled out for an offside by Castro, which denied him a first European goal. Roma have conceded fewer goals than any side in Europe's top five leagues. Ghilardi said: "It is a source of satisfaction for us defenders and for the whole defensive unit, but also for the whole defensive phase, which is not only the defenders but the whole team. It is something we seek, not conceding goals is very important and we are happy that it is going this way. We will try to continue." Asked about his current form, he said: "There are many giants, both in the national team and at Roma. Being called up to the national team was a satisfaction. I was not able to play, but already being called up was very important for me. I hope to return there as soon as possible." On playing one-on-one and in open space against quick opponents, such as the two wingers he faced today, he said: "I like playing this way a lot. These are challenges I enjoy. I like playing in open space and one-on-one. It amuses me a lot." Asked why he did not play for the whole first half of last season, he explained: "It was a schooling period. I had to learn a new method of football. At Verona we did not play like this, and here the level was higher too. It is a different intensity. The first months were about settling in, then I was fortunate to play with more continuity. I hope to have that this season too." Roma have taken four points from nine available so far. Ghilardi said: "Tight, I don't know. Away from home we drew on a difficult pitch, today we won and against Real Madrid the performance was there. We will try to get points and place ourselves in the best position possible." On the Napoli fixture, he said: "We approach every match the same way, whether it is Genoa, Napoli, Real or Bratislava. We try to win, give our best and hope to keep it going." On his Champions League debut, he said: "I am very happy. I was nervous at the start but then I relaxed. I am happy with the assist that unlocked the game, and we hope to continue like this." Asked whether it was his best game since joining Roma, he replied: "I don't know, maybe that is for you to say." On what he is working on most this season, he said: "Everything, heading, duels and one-on-one. We can improve in all aspects and I hope it shows on the pitch."

Daniele Ghilardi spoke to reporters after Roma's 3-0 win...

Roma defender Ghilardi has spoken to Sky Sport after a performance that he says showed he is ready to play for Roma, and he hopes to build on it with more consistent minutes. Ghilardi played only a small amount this season but was among the best players whenever he appeared. Against Real Madrid he set up the assist that unlocked the game, and he also had a goal ruled out for an offside by Castro, which denied him a first European goal. Roma have conceded fewer goals than any side in Europe's top five leagues. Ghilardi said: "It is a source of satisfaction for us defenders and for the whole defensive unit, but also for the whole defensive phase, which is not only the defenders but the whole team. It is something we seek, not conceding goals is very important and we are happy that it is going this way. We will try to continue." Asked about his current form, he said: "There are many giants, both in the national team and at Roma. Being called up to the national team was a satisfaction. I was not able to play, but already being called up was very important for me. I hope to return there as soon as possible." On playing one-on-one and in open space against quick opponents, such as the two wingers he faced today, he said: "I like playing this way a lot. These are challenges I enjoy. I like playing in open space and one-on-one. It amuses me a lot." Asked why he did not play for the whole first half of last season, he explained: "It was a schooling period. I had to learn a new method of football. At Verona we did not play like this, and here the level was higher too. It is a different intensity. The first months were about settling in, then I was fortunate to play with more continuity. I hope to have that this season too." Roma have taken four points from nine available so far. Ghilardi said: "Tight, I don't know. Away from home we drew on a difficult pitch, today we won and against Real Madrid the performance was there. We will try to get points and place ourselves in the best position possible." On the Napoli fixture, he said: "We approach every match the same way, whether it is Genoa, Napoli, Real or Bratislava. We try to win, give our best and hope to keep it going." On his Champions League debut, he said: "I am very happy. I was nervous at the start but then I relaxed. I am happy with the assist that unlocked the game, and we hope to continue like this." Asked whether it was his best game since joining Roma, he replied: "I don't know, maybe that is for you to say." On what he is working on most this season, he said: "Everything, heading, duels and one-on-one. We can improve in all aspects and I hope it shows on the pitch."

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi has said the club's solid defensive record belongs to the whole team, not just the back line, as Roma prepare for their Champions League third-matchday fixture against Slovan Bratislava. Roma are the least-beaten defence in Europe's top league, and have conceded no goals in their two matches since the Real Madrid game. Ghilardi said: "Yes, it is a source of pride for all of us in the defensive unit, but also for the whole team, because the defensive phase is not made only by the defenders but by everyone. Not conceding a goal is a very important thing. We are happy that it is going this way and we want to continue." Asked about his experience under Gasperini, Ghilardi said: "There are many giants with me, both at Roma and in the national team. The call-up to the Azzurri was a source of pride, even though I was not able to play. I hope to return there as soon as possible." On playing man-to-man across the pitch, he said: "I really like playing this way, even against fast players like the ones I faced today. These are challenges I enjoy. I like playing man-to-man all over the pitch, it is a good duel. Honestly, I enjoy it a lot."

Mario Hermoso produced another top-level display in Roma's win over Slovan Bratislava, neutralising the Slovak side's attacking threat while also posing danger in the opposition box, and he scored in the match. Aldair, the Roma legend, lavished praise on the Spaniard on Instagram. Aldair said Hermoso's performances often go almost unnoticed because he has accustomed everyone to a very high standard. As a defender himself, Aldair said he especially values the solidity Hermoso brings to Roma, describing the self-assurance that only great players can pass on to the whole team. Aldair said: "Le sue prestazioni passano quasi inosservate perché ci ha abituati a un livello altissimo. Da difensore, apprezzo tanto la solidità che ha dato alla Roma. Quella sicurezza che solo i grandi giocatori sanno trasmettere a tutta la squadra. E poi la grinta, la cattiveria agonistica con cui lotta su ogni pallone. Bravo Mario, continua così." English translation: "His performances almost go unnoticed because he has accustomed us to a very high level. As a defender, I really appreciate the solidity he has given Roma. That confidence that only great players know how to transmit to the whole team. And then the grit, the competitive aggression with which he fights for every ball. Well done Mario, keep it up."

Roma secured their first win of the Champions League league phase, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 with a dominant display under Gian Piero Gasperini. The result follows a draw with Fenerbahce and a late defeat to Real Madrid. Hermoso opened the scoring with a header, and Molina doubled the lead just before half-time. After the break, Pisilli added a goal and Malen converted a penalty to seal the win. Roma never looked at risk of conceding in the match. Ghilardi also scored late on, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The victory lifts Gasperini's side to 4 points in the league phase standings. Roma's next big match is against Napoli at the weekend. Molina's goal was his first in a Roma shirt. Wesley was described as unplayable in the player ratings, which award Hermoso a 7, Molina a 6.5 and Wesley a 7.5.

Mario Hermoso spoke to reporters after Roma beat Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico in their third League Phase match of the Champions League, delighted with the team's performance and the depth of the squad. The Spaniard highlighted the importance of keeping a clean sheet, a result Roma badly needed after their defeat to Real Madrid. Roma have now won two matches in a row with six goals scored and none conceded. Hermoso noted that his side's defence has been the least breached of the top five European leagues, a fact he said matters to the whole team, not only the defenders. He stressed that Roma are a tough side who want to play fast and do things the way the coach wants, adding that the team has plenty of talent in attack and the defenders must get them the ball to score. Asked about the heavy rotation in the match, Hermoso said: "We have a strong team and a complete squad, with quality players in every department. We have to work, and we all do it every day to be at our best. This says a lot about us and about the work the coach is doing, and the sporting director too. It's nice to see Roma like this."

Roma secured their first win of the Champions League league phase, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 with a dominant display under Gian Piero Gasperini. The result follows a draw with Fenerbahce and a late defeat to Real Madrid. Hermoso opened the scoring with a header, and Molina doubled the lead just before half-time. After the break, Pisilli added a goal and Malen converted a penalty to seal the win. Roma never looked at risk of conceding in the match. Ghilardi also scored late on, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The victory lifts Gasperini's side to 4 points in the league phase standings. Roma's next big match is against Napoli at the weekend. Molina's goal was his first in a Roma shirt. Wesley was described as unplayable in the player ratings, which award Hermoso a 7, Molina a 6.5 and Wesley a 7.5.

Roma recorded their first four-goal haul of the Champions League season, routing Slovan Bratislava, who never got into the game. Hermoso opened the scoring, before Molina, Pisilli and Malen, from the penalty spot, completed the rout. The player ratings praised the whole side for being in good form and entering the match with the right mindset. The defence was the standout area. Ghilardi started strongly and got forward often, leaving the Gollini's penalty area regularly, and he won a fortunate deflection to set up Hermoso. Ghilardi also had a goal disallowed for an active offside by Castro, which the ratings described as a pity given how well he had played. Balerdi was rated calm, elegant and attentive, covering large areas of the pitch. Hermoso, rated 7.5, was described as the most accurate passer in the first half with a 90% pass accuracy, and he went on to score the opener with a header from a free kick. Wesley was rated 7, with the ratings saying he left a trail of scorched grass down his flank and that Slovan players barely saw him. Pellegrini was rated 6.5 but had to ask to be substituted, and the ratings expressed hope the problem was nothing serious. Mora, rated 6, struck the advertising boards near the net and was unlucky when his effort was ruled out for offside, while the ratings noted he had been running hard from both flanks. Gollini, rated 6, had little to do beyond a couple of catches. The ratings for Gasperini's side included several verdicts on the individual performances. Pisilli, who scored wearing the captain's armband, said: "Un sogno" ("A dream"). Molina, rated 6.5, pounced on a poor rebound from Takac to make it 2-0 and was applauded for sprinting to win a late corner. Malen, rated 7.5, was involved in the build-up to Molina's goal and Pisilli's, and finished the rout from the spot. Soulé, who came on for Pellegrini in the 51st minute, was rated 6.5 for an immediate steal in the box that set up Malen. Castro, who replaced Malen in the 58th minute, was rated 6. Gasperini was quoted in the ratings on Mora, saying he "deve strutturarsi" ("needs to find his structure"). The ratings noted Gasperini had a short squad again and rotated it, asking his players to focus on every detail, and that the side needed to score as many goals as possible, which he addressed with his usual rotations. Koulierakis replaced Hermoso in the 77th minute, and Mancini came on for De Roon at the same time.

Lorenzo Pellegrini produced an impressive display in Roma's recent match, despite leaving the pitch after a sharp pain that brought a grimace of frustration from him and the entire stadium. Playing from a position that was often fairly wide, he impressed with his influence on the attacking play and the quality of his touches, with his right-footed inside runs from the centre-left of the final third finding Malen's channel time after time. Malen ran into that space like a sprinter at the starter's gun. The move first produced an incredible miss by Mora in front of goal, with Malen showing too much generosity, and then the pattern repeated with a finish that went to Molina. Pellegrini's ability to pick out those passes was the standout feature of his evening, and it reinforced his importance to the team's attacking shape. The immediate concern is the nature of the problem. The hope is that his withdrawal was mainly a precaution after the first twinge he felt. Pellegrini can still offer Roma more in more than one role, and that could make the difference in the club's ambitions and season objectives. TUTTE LE NOTIZIE GRATIS SULLA ROMA SUL TUO TELEFONINO – TELEGRAM TUTTE LE NOTIZIE GRATIS SULLA ROMA SUL TUO TELEFONINO – WHATSAPP