Gasperini still learning about Roma's limitations
Gian Piero Gasperini conceded he is still learning about Roma's squad limitations, despite picking up its fourth victory of the season with a 2-0 win over Hellas Verona.
Gasperini's side has taken 12 points from its first five Serie A games for the first time since 2021-22 under Jose Mourinho, though it was made to work for its three points at Stadio Olimpico.
Roma made a positive start when Artem Dovbyk's seventh-minute header from Zeki Celik's cross put the Giallorossi in front, but Verona did not let that setback affect them.
It came close to restoring parity in the 28th minute, only for Gift Orban's strike to rattle the woodwork, with the host side registering just one shot on target in the first half.
Despite Verona continuing to push for the equaliser, it was caught out 11 minutes from time by Matias Soule, who rounded off a well-worked move with a fine finish.
Gasperini, however, was left wanting more.
"I was well aware of the difficulties that several players were having," he said. "It was the first time this season we had three games in a week, and not everyone recovered fully. We didn't expect that, so we need to reflect and evaluate on it going forward.
"We had problems today that we hadn't in other games. It was obvious that some players were struggling with sharpness.
"When Verona pushed forward, they were able to pass it around with greater ease than usual.
"It's a pity, we were also not incisive enough on the transition, and we struggled more than we should've done."
There were positives for Roma, though. For the sixth time in its history, it has kept four clean sheets in its first five matches of a Serie A season.
The Giallorossi have never done better in the competition, with this record last achieved in 2014-2015 during Rudi Garcia's tenure with the Giallorossi.
For the fourth time in it Serie A history, Roma has conceded no more than one goal in the first five matches of a single league campaign, having also conceded just once in 2014-2015, 2013-2014, and 1991-1992.
Gasperini put that down to Mile Svilar's display in between the sticks this season, after he made three important stops against Verona.
"If Roma have such a good defensive record, a lot of that is down to Svilar," the manager said. "He doesn't just make exceptional saves, he is also a guarantee when starting play from the back. Undoubtedly, we have a great goalkeeper."
Elsewhere in the top flight, Fiorentina's wait for a first league win of 2025-2026 went on after it was held to a goalless draw away to fellow struggler Pisa.
Indeed, La Viola have not won any of their first five Serie A games in a campaign for only the fourth time in their top-flight history, after 1935-1936, 1946-1947 and 1977-1978.
