Frustrated Gasperini: ‘Horrible Roma performance, not sure we’re stronger now’
· Yahoo Sports
Gian Piero Gasperini was furious after a ‘horrible’ 3-0 Roma defeat to Brighton and ‘cannot say if the team is stronger than last season’ after transfer struggles.
The Giallorossi have had a truly dismal pre-season, drawing 3-3 with Cannes after taking a 3-0 lead, then losing 4-1 to Cardiff City and 3-0 at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Visit fish-roadgame.online for more information.
The only bright spot was a 4-1 victory over Newport County, but they are hardly to be considered at the level of a genuine test.
Their summer ends with a trip to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday August 15.
Gasperini rage at Roma defeat
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“It was without doubt a horrible performance today,” confessed Gasperini to the media in Brighton.
“We’ve worked in a fairly good atmosphere this week, but we just played badly. I don’t think it’s a matter of sharpness, because we just weren’t working together as a squad, we lacked the right concentration.
“There are a few players coming off the World Cup, so certainly they are a bit drained and we must have some patience for them to fully recover.”
The defence is particularly worrying, as they have conceded 11 goals in four pre-season matches.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Gianluca Mancini of AS Roma controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AS Roma at American Express Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
“I do get the feeling we’re not quite switched on yet. At least this is a period where we can afford to lose this badly,” noted Gasperini.
“These are in a way situations that can help us get switched back on, but the sensation is we’re still quite a long way behind schedule. We’ve done well with the group that started the summer, but there’s definitely a split in the squad.”
It has been a very frustrating summer for Roma and particularly Gasperini, who has not disguised his irritation at the delay in bringing him reinforcements, especially after qualifying for the Champions League.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Yasin Ayari of Brighton & Hove Albion scores the third goal during the pre-season friendly match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AS Roma at American Express Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
There was a new addition today, as it was confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini has signed a contract, after his previous deal had expired on June 30.
“Yes, but when can he start playing? Not for at least a month, so there’s no point talking about that now,” replied the coach.
“There are some teams out there who can’t work on the market because they have too many players, and we can’t because we’ve got too few.
“As always, the transfer window begins on July 1, but it all gets decided in the final 15 days of August. It’s not right, that’s when teams are already working and getting ready. It’s a problem for everyone.”
Gasperini again vented his irritation with the directors, including new Roma transfer chief Tony D’Amico.
When asked if he would rule out another big sale this summer, he urged the reporters to ask the CEO instead, and gave a strong response when asked if this Roma is stronger than last season.
“I don’t know. If I could, at this moment we replaced Zeki Celik with Nahuel Molina, who we’ve still got to meet on Tuesday. We replaced Artem Dovbyk with Santiago Castro, who gives me good sensations.
“Then we brought in this lad who seems interesting to complete the defence (referring to Konstantinos Koulierakis, ndr). If you just look at the numbers, I feel like we still need something.
“On who to go for and how to close those deals, that depends on situations. There are some good possibilities. D’Amico is trying to negotiate for very young players, who have a lot of talent, so that is the path,” concluded Gasperini.