Gasperini expects Roma test against former club
Roma has made a flying start to its Serie A campaign, although Gian Piero Gasperini knows a big test lies ahead against his former employer. Atalanta.
Roma defeated both Fiorentina and Lecce 4-0 in its first two games of the new season and is second on the table heading into this week's match, after Como defeated Genoa on Saturday (AEST) to take top spot.
Atalanta has also started its league campaign with two wins, overcoming Sassuolo and Bologna, in addition to booking a place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.
Gasperini knows a clash with his former side will show Roma's credentials this term.
"More than a test of maturity, I would define it as a test of strength," he said.
"We face many great teams in the first 12 matches. We face a team of great value that has started well. It is a match worthy of the [UEFA] Champions League."
Gasperini also revealed Roma's financial struggles in the recent transfer window, with its most expensive signing being the arrival of Santiago Castro from Bologna for €35 million ($56.5 million).
The Roma boss revealed his club tried to sign both Mason Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville, but could not compete financially.
"In June, I thought we had solved our problems with the money from [UEFA] Champions League qualification," Gasperini added.
"When we tried to sign Greenwood and Summerville, I realised that wasn’t the case.
"The summer was torture – constantly reviewing market ideas and having to give up on players who were enthusiastic about coming to Roma because of wage-bill restrictions.
"The ownership did everything possible within the financial constraints. And anyway, my regret has been compensated."
