In a thrilling encounter at the Stadio Olimpico, AS Roma showcased their resilience by staging a dramatic comeback to defeat Atalanta 2-1. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressed his admiration for Roma's performance, noting that the late victory reflects the team's growing belief and enhanced options from the bench.
The match initially seemed to be slipping away from Roma, who had dominated possession and chances but found themselves trailing after Ederson scored for Atalanta against the run of play. Despite their efforts, including numerous saves from Atalanta's goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi and two shots from Santiago Castro that hit the woodwork, Roma struggled to find the back of the net.
However, the tide turned in added time. Mario Hermoso equalized with a looping header that deflected off the inside of the far post from a corner kick. Shortly after, Matias Soulé secured the victory with a precise shot into the near bottom corner, completing a turnaround that delighted the home crowd.
Gasperini, reflecting on the match, noted the significance of the victory against a strong opponent. "It’s precisely because we were against a strong team, and were trailing at their first attempt after the first half was one-way traffic," he told Sky Sport Italia. He acknowledged the physical demands of the match, especially given the heat, but praised his players for their relentless pursuit of a goal, stating, "When you win in added time after losing at the 89th minute, that’s a sign the squad really believes."
The statistics from the match underscored Roma's dominance, as they held 66.5 percent possession and registered 10 shots on target compared to Atalanta's two. Their overall attempts on goal totaled 39, while Atalanta managed just six, highlighting Roma's attacking prowess despite the initial setback.
Gasperini also credited the substitutions made during the match, which he felt were crucial in maintaining defensive solidity against Atalanta's counter-attacks. With fresh legs like Balerdi and Ghilardi entering the fray, Roma was able to thwart potential threats and capitalize on their offensive opportunities. He acknowledged Carnesecchi's outstanding performance in goal for Atalanta, which made scoring more challenging for his team.
Looking ahead, Gasperini discussed the potential for players like Castro and Donyell Malen to coexist in the squad, especially with a busy fixture schedule approaching after the international break. He expressed confidence in the depth of his squad, stating, "Soulé was decisive, Molina brought some quality, so this is what we were trying to do this summer, complete the squad with substitutes who can come off the bench and raise the level."
This victory places Roma at the top of the Serie A table alongside Inter, boasting a perfect record after three matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding just one. Gasperini acknowledged that while the squad may be slightly thinner than last season, the quality has improved, which is evident in their recent performances. He emphasized the importance of maintaining player fitness to navigate the challenges of the upcoming Champions League campaign, where they will face Turkish side Fenerbahce in their first match in seven years.
Leave a Comment