1 week ago
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Gian Piero Gasperini believes that Roma put in a good performance against AC Milan, and that a point was the least that they deserved.
Roma must have been fearing a nightmare repeat of the reverse fixture at San Siro, having dominated the game but having fallen behind to Koni De Winter’s header from a corner in the second half.
However, the home side were able to get themselves back level not too long after, with Lorenzo Pellegrini converting a penalty that had been awarded for a handball on Davide Bartesaghi in an eventual 1-1 draw.
The result is both good and bad for each team. Milan gain a point on Napoli and keep Roma four points away but Inter are now five points clear, while Roma – who drew for the first time this season – came from behind in a six-pointer clash.
Gasperini: Milan ‘always dangerous’
Gasperini spoke to DAZN after the final whistle to try and analyse what was a strange game for his side, with his comments relayed by Football Italia.
Why did Pellegrini take the penalty?
“Both our first-choice penalty takers had come off, who were Dybala and Malen, so we asked ourselves who would do it and assumed Cristante, but Pellegrini stepped up and did very well.”
Luka Modric said afterwards that Roma dominated the first half, but isn’t sure you would have scored without the penalty…
“When Milan take the lead, they become very dangerous on the counter, especially with fresh legs from Pulisic and Fullkrug. Having said that, if we had lost this match, it would’ve been a really bitter blow. If we had gone in front, we’d have had a great chance of winning it.”
Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz arrived and have instantly played…
“Malen is an extraordinary player in that role as a centre-forward, he will get better fitness levels as he goes on. Against a very deep Milan defence today, he did some remarkable things with his movement, we are convinced he is a great signing.
“This is a very young squad, I thought we were aiming for Under-25s, but I think we might have a very strong selection of Under-20s at this rate. We were up against the team that is second in the Serie A table and we leave this game feeling stronger.”
Did you fear Milan on the break?
“We deserve credit for that, because Milan have such great sprinters like Leao, Pulisic, Nkunku, even Rabiot. They are always dangerous, even when you think that you’re dominating them. We’ve seen many times Milan were on the verge of losing and then went on to win.
“My defence this season is extraordinary, and allowing Milan so little tonight is a sign of our effort and determination.”
Daniele Ghilardi impressed in the back three this evening again…
“He did very well against Stuttgart too on Thursday. Ghilardi has improved exponentially from the start of the season, when he alternated good qualities with bad timing.
“He has matured and has more balance. When there are such young players, five or six months of work really make a difference to their evolution.”
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