Gasperini says Roma draw gives confidence but warns of defensive lapses

ROME - A draw that builds confidence but highlights a recurring flaw to fix. AS Roma held Inter to a 2-2 draw in a Serie A match that keeps the Giallorossi top of the table with 12 points, but coach Gian Piero Gasperini warned of a persistent defensive issue.

The team took the lead with a Mohamed Kone brace in the 6th and 37th minutes, only to see their advantage halved by a Lautaro Martinez goal a mere 51 seconds into the second half. Inter then equalised for good in the 79th minute. "It was a match where both teams could have won at a certain point, a match that must give us satisfaction and awareness," Gasperini stated in his post-match press conference.

The Recurring Problem

The manager, however, did not hide his frustration with the manner of the concession for the 2-1 goal. "It's the third time this has happened and it cannot be a coincidence, the way we conceded that goal was a bit superficial and also presumptuous," he added. Gasperini highlighted the team's character in not giving up, with Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé playing until the end, but stressed the need for greater concentration at the start of the second half.

The result keeps AS Roma unbeaten in their last five matches, with a record of three wins and two draws. The defence, which had conceded just one goal in four league games prior, showed a crack in a familiar situation. The next challenge is a tricky away fixture against Como, who sit third, on October 11th. To prepare, Gasperini has already said he will use squad rotation due to the congested schedule after the break. Defender Leonardo Balerdi was substituted yesterday due to fatigue.

The team can rely on a prolific attack, with 12 goals scored in the league, and top scorer Donyell Malen on 6 goals. The team's upcoming path, visible on the fixtures page, continues with the aim of consolidating the top spot. The next test against Como, as seen in the fixtures schedule, will be key to test the depth of the squad during a period of fatigue. To maintain this leading position, it will be essential to correct the defensive carelessness Gasperini highlighted. Gasperini ended with a clear message: Roma must be aware of their potential to be a dangerous team under certain conditions, but must eliminate these basic errors.

This story first appeared at Sky Sport IT