In all-Italian Europa League Round of 16 clash on Thursday, Bologna came out on top and Roma were knocked out of the competition.
The last few weeks have been difficult for the Giallorossi, who havenโt won even once in four games in all competitions. They are now out of Europe and also falling away from the Champions League spots in the Serie A.
After the dramatic defeat against Bologna, Gasperini spoke to the press about the performance. He insisted we saw the best of his team and the worst of them too, all in the same game.
โIt was a thrilling match, and weโre leaving with great disappointment. We saw the best of us, for almost the entire match, and the worst of what we could do. They put us in the position of having to constantly come from behind, despite having done some important things.
Gasperini also pointed out several mistakes in the game that led to Bolognaโs first three goals.
โItโs a shame we made certain mistakes, in all three of Bolognaโs first goals. These were unusual situations that unfortunately cost us goals.โย
The Italian also pointed out at fatigue playing a role in the defeat, especially after how things were after 90 minutes.
โWhen you get to this point, the level rises, and so does the fatigue and the added pressure, despite so many very good things. The team played well for the entire 90 minutes, went down 3-1, then reacted that way. But when you make mistakes like that, you lose. In extra time, the fatigue was especially felt in defense. If youโre missing four or five players in the same position, itโs normal to struggle.โ
He did have praise for his players, specifically pointing out Donyell Malen.
โHowever, we found an extraordinary Malen who increased our attacking threat compared to the first half of the season, where, however, we had more options. In this last week, between Como and tonight, I donโt have much to say about my players, who have put in top-level performances.โ
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Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
