ROME - AS Roma have confirmed their aggressive identity by ranking second in Serie A's high pressing statistics after the first five matchdays. The data measures the intensity with which teams attempt to win the ball back in the opponent's half and sees the Giallorossi trailing only surprising leaders Frosinone under coach Alvini.
This collective drive, based on pace and constant pressure, is a cornerstone of Gian Piero Gasperini's work. The manager has shaped a team that not only leads the league table with 13 points but also dominates off-the-ball intensity metrics. An approach that is yielding concrete results, with the side unbeaten in their last five league games.
The pressing numbers
The high pressing ranking shows how tactical approach is not always directly linked to immediate results. Venezia, for instance, are bottom of the standings but record significant data in their work without the ball. For Roma, however, aggression translates into points: the 2-0 away win at Torino and the 2-2 draw with Inter are recent examples of this philosophy in action.
Gasperini's team, who can count on top scorer Donyell Malen with 6 goals, now look ahead to the away fixture against Como on October 11th. Como, currently eighth, won the last home meeting 2-1. To best prepare for the match, the updated injuries list includes the absence of Bryan Cristante.
This story first appeared at sports.yahoo.com
