Gian Piero Gasperini revealed he was "angry and disappointed" at the manner of Roma's loss to AC Milan in a game in which Paulo Dybala sustained an injury.

Roma were beaten 1-0 at San Siro through Strahinja Pavlovic's 39th-minute strike, with Dybala having a late penalty saved by Mike Maignan.

The Giallorossi had the chance to move to the top of Serie A, but instead they were usurped by Milan as they dropped to fourth place.

Gasperini's men registered an xG of 1.95, with six shots on target, but were unable to convert that into a goal in Sunday's contest.

"I think we made a qualitative leap this evening in everything except our finishing," Gasperini told reporters after the game. 

"We created a lot of opportunities and struggled towards the end of the first half and in the second half."

Roma have now failed to score in two of their last four Serie A matches, which is as many times as in the previous 30.

"We are very angry and very disappointed about the result. We also missed some very small chances," Gasperini added.

"I'm having a hard time finding anything that went wrong; many things went well. This is the path I want to take. We're confident we can get more points."

Dybala could have rescued a point 10 minutes from time but missed from the spot for the first time in 19 attempts in Roma colours.

Going further back, not since November 2021 for Juventus against Salernitana had he missed a penalty, with his misery compounded by a thigh injury sustained in taking the kick.

"The biggest issue is Dybala's injury," Gasperini said. "He hurt himself taking the penalty, and when it happens like that, it can be serious. 

"It's a shame because he was playing like the great player he is. We hope he returns soon, but it'll certainly be after the international break."

Pavlovic's breakaway goal was set up by Rafael Leao, who has more assists against Roma (five) than any other side in Serie A.

And Gasperini accepts it is the type of counter-attacking goal that he needs to see more of from his own side.

"The other thing we need to improve is that I see many clubs pouring forward and they manage to get a goal somewhere," he said. 

"I think that is what we are lacking. When you dominate a game to this degree, you need to take home the result."