Torino boss Abate hails Gasperini ahead of Roma clash; Adams ruled out, Simeone doubtful

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini lost his temper during the first half of the win over Cagliari, throwing his jacket to the ground after an error by Gianluca Mancini. With the score at 2-1, Mancini failed to delay and was beaten by the pace of Fadera, which gave Cagliari a chance they then wasted. The reaction recalled similar scenes from Massimiliano Allegri, though the gesture was instinctive and showed a coach who does not accept drops in intensity and demands the maximum from his players. The anger soon subsided, but the suffering lasted until the final whistle, as the result at one stage risked slipping away. Fatigue and injuries have shortened the rotations, and Gasperini still expects more from those on the pitch. Mistakes are part of the game, he is said to believe, but they cannot become a habit. The victory brought the smile back to the coach's face after a difficult spell, and it was built on the attention to detail that he has made central to his work at the club in the capital. In the end, the substitutions settled the match, with Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen both proving decisive. Gasperini's changes were, once again, the winning move. Under the Piedmontese coach, Roma are building a period of continuity that the capital has lacked for some time, even without trophies so far.

Pierluigi Gollini spoke to reporters after Roma's 9th-round Serie A win over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, saying the points were heavy and keep the club in contention. The goalkeeper credited the squad for its depth and commitment. The Roma stopper said the team has played many matches and that it is normal to lose some sharpness at times, but that big teams find a way to win even when they are not playing their best. He said the group is giving a lot of answers and that everyone is always available, calling it a great credit that should be recognised. Asked whether he expected Lulli to be so strong, Gollini said: "We saw him in training camp and we thought he had great athleticism. Many times we have told him that the quality of his choices will determine his career. It will be up to him to learn to make the right choices. He has his head on his shoulders; every now and then I have to remind him to defend because he likes to attack, but he is super humble and he will have a great career." On whether his own performances are a response to doubters, Gollini said: "I have played little in recent years, but in training I see myself, and my teammates see me. Obviously football is a world that moves super fast; if you do nothing, it seems you are finished. Even though I have not played, I have always been in an environment of great level. I am happy to have had this chance now, even though we are sad for Mile. We have to keep going like this."

Rodrigo Mora scored in Roma's 4-2 win over Cagliari and spoke to DAZN afterwards, saying that after a 4-2 result there was no reason to feel bad. The forward said he dreams of being a decisive player and helping the team when it needs him. "Today a goal was needed and I was ready for it," he said. "I think I played other very good matches too. Sometimes you don't score, you don't make assists, and it becomes difficult, but today I scored and helped the team. That is the most important thing." Mora said he has been playing in a different position, having swapped roles with Matías Soulé, and that his performance improved noticeably. Asked about the switch, he said playing on the left suits him better. "Playing on the left is better for me, because I can come inside. I am used to that position, and I think Mati prefers playing on the other side. But we have to be ready to play on both flanks. The most important thing is helping the team to win." On his goal, Mora said he does not score many headers, but that opponents sometimes forget the lower one. "I did not score many headers, but sometimes opponents forget the lower one. So I was there, and I was happy to score such an important goal." Asked about playing under Gian Piero Gasperini with an attacking mindset that pushes forward even when protecting a lead, Mora said the coach always wants the team to play forwards. "Sometimes it is difficult, and I am trying to adapt to this way of playing. But it is nice, because we always think about going forward and scoring more goals. I think it is important for winning matches and, of course, for attacking players like us it is nice to always attack, try to score and take the lead."