Serie A side Roma picked up a shock 2-1 loss to Genoa earlier today in a defeat that can impact their hopes of returning to the Champions League.
Vitinha late winner left Roma reeling in the tie, as Evan Ndickaโs looping header had equalised after Junior Messiasโ penalty had put the Giallorossi behind in the first-half.
The loss means that ROma are fifth , with Como now placed at fourth in the table and only five points behind third-placed Napoli.
Gasperini was asked about this in the post-game presser. He made it clear that anyone who is worried about the clubโs possible Champions League qualification can stay at home.
Appearing firm, he said โ relayed by TMW: โAnyone whoโs worried stays home. Am I worried that weโre fourth in the table, that weโre playing the round of 16 against Bologna, then Como, and then the Europa League again? There are seasons when you look at the others. Here, weโre the protagonists.โ
Despite the defeat, Gasperini appeared quite satisifed by the performance by Roma.
He said: โWe played a great match against Juventus, and today we played well. It was a different game because Genoaโs strategy was to not let us play and to play long balls. When things are like that, you have to adapt and we did it with great spirit.โ
Further, he hailed the attitude shown on the pitch by the players.
โWhat I saw today: spirit, commitment from everyone. We have games coming up fast. Now Wesley will return and NโDicka will leave. Great spirit from everyone, and weโre going to play our games.โ
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Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
