Gian Piero Gasperini believes Roma can take plenty of positives from their 2-2 draw with Inter, despite letting a two-goal lead slip after the break. The coach also stressed that both sides had opportunities to win the match at the Stadio Olimpico.
The meeting brought together the only two teams with perfect records at the top of the table. Roma controlled much of the first half and went into the interval 2-0 ahead after Manu Koné’s goal, but Lautaro Martinez struck twice after the restart to leave the teams level at the top.
Gasperini sees Roma positives
Gasperini pointed to the amount of space Roma found during the opening half, when the Giallorossi looked dangerous whenever they attacked. However, the coach had to make changes as the match progressed, with Balerdi forced off while Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé continued until the final whistle.
Roma felt they could remain in the game if they managed to withstand Inter’s pressure. Despite the momentum shifting after half-time, Gasperini was satisfied with the way his side continued to compete.
“There is a lot of positivity on this side,” Gasperini said, while noting that both teams had chances to claim the victory. Roma also created a major opportunity to restore their two-goal advantage, with Malen striking the goalkeeper in the face when presented with a chance for 3-1.
Roma struggle after Inter comeback
Roma had conceded only four goals during the season before the match, but three of those came during the first five minutes of the second half. Gasperini admitted that the way his team conceded was too superficial after they had established control of the game.
The coach felt Roma could still have caused problems after the interval, but several players were struggling physically as the match entered its final stages. Even so, the Giallorossi continued to push forward instead of simply protecting the draw.
Gasperini also highlighted the strength of the opposition, saying Roma had continued to compete against Inter in both technical and physical terms. The two sides ultimately remained level after an encounter in which each had opportunities to take all three points.
Inter draw highlights Roma’s consistency issue
The result extended a difficult run for Roma against Inter at the Stadio Olimpico, with the Giallorossi having not beaten their opponents at home since October 2016. Gasperini, however, insisted that his team should concentrate on its own progress rather than the historical record.
The coach believes Roma can be a very good team in certain situations, but consistency remains an area that requires work. He described the squad as physical and stressed the importance of using every available player with many matches to come after the international break.
The draw leaves Roma and Inter together at the top of the table, although Como and Lazio can join them on 13 points if they win their respective matches this weekend.