WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Roma were left stunned at the Olimpico after a 1-0 defeat to Lille in the Europa League, with Arnar Haraldsson’s early strike proving enough for the French side.
The match will be remembered for Roma’s astonishing triple penalty miss, as Dovbyk and Soulé were denied in quick succession by Ozer after a serious of retaken spot-kicks.
Speaking to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Gian Piero Gasperini admitted the missed opportunities proved costly.
“It had never happened to me before to miss three penalties in the same situation. We went behind early, which gave them the best conditions. Roma, despite some technical errors, played with desire and rhythm until the end. Maybe we weren’t strong in taking advantage of the chances but from these games you come out with something more.”
On the bizarre penalty incident, he added:
“It was almost unique and accidental. But it happened and undoubtedly compromised the result. The team, in terms of spirit, gave a lot.”
Roma boss Gasperini focuses on the positives after loss to Lille
Looking at the positives, Gasperini noted:
“In the second half we had continuity in attack. They are fast and technical, it wasn’t easy, but we had spirit and intensity. Of course we must make fewer mistakes but I have to look at the good things too. This is a competition where there are eight games, not a direct elimination and the team stayed focused until the end.”
Asked about psychological consequences, he was firm:
“We are sportsmen. Mistakes happen, but there is no such thing as getting discouraged. Luckily we play every three days, so we move on quickly.”
Finally, on injuries:
“We’ll see tomorrow. Maybe Massara knows more but I don’t think Dybala will recover yet.”
You can read our match report for Roma 0-1 Lille here.
