The transformation of AS Roma under Gian Piero Gasperini took only a few weeks to become the strong story of this Serie A. Arriving in a climate of uncertainty, a legacy of years of sporting tinkering and hopeless illusions, the Piedmontese coach imposed a direction, a method, almost a rediscovered playing identity. Result: after twelve days, the Giallorossi are alone at the top of the championship, driven by extremely rare defensive solidity and a new ability to mask their faults better than any other team in the country. Roma still scores too little (especially in comparison to Gasperini’s Atalanta), but it concedes even less: six small goals suffered, a rigorous tactical structure, and Svilar in a state of grace in the Roman cages. In a championship where nothing is easy at the top of the table, it is La Louve who surfs with the most confidence on her strengths.
But the Roman renaissance is not based only on the organization since it relies on players in very good shape. Gasperini brought forward the old guard, those players whose leadership is no longer in question, and who led the team in the most delicate moments. Elements like Bryan Cristante, Gianluca Mancini, Stephan El Shaarawy are technical and emotional pillars of a locker room which has never responded so well. And then there is the case of Lorenzo Pellegrini, who became a symbol of this new project, who was first downgraded, before being repositioned mentally and tactically, then rehabilitated through work and discipline. The captain without an armband agreed to fall into line and started scoring again. At his side, the new wave gives extra breath with Matías Soulé, irresistible between the lines. But also Wesley, already adopted by the Romanista people, and especially Manu Koné, who came to strengthen the median and almost immediately became an ideal partner in the middle.
The dream of the Scudetto is allowed
The Gasperini effect can also be seen in the legs. This Roma has a very energy-intensive style of play with long runs based on high aggression, rapid transitions, permanent use of the lanes, variations between total pressing and more rational marking. The Roman trademark is clear, identifiable and consistent. Roma no longer just have desire, they have method. And this cocktail creates a much rarer phenomenon in the capital with this rare enthusiasm that is found on every street corner. “ All the ingredients are there, let’s try to add a little spice to keep playing like this. When you are in these conditions, it is normal to dream. We live it, and as long as we can, we will try to extend it “, explained the Gasp. After seasons of small satisfactions, mediocre rankings and contradictory projects, supporters see a team that believes in itself. A team that has found personality. The giant wall at Garbatella representing Gasperini as a mago (magician) is the best example to symbolize this newfound confidence, like a pact between the city and its coach.
This first place as leader is perhaps only provisional, but it is symptomatic of a dynamic which continues to grow. The victory at Cremonese with three goals scored in three different ways of attacking proves the maturity of this group. This Roma can win even without its absent stars, thanks to a sharp collective and high-level adjustments. Now the time has come to compete in the long-awaited big poster. Sunday evening, the Olimpico will host a major clash against Antonio Conte’s Napoli. A poster to test the solidity of the throne, to understand if this Roma can really seize the Scudetto that it has dreamed of for too long. With a finally serious project, a coach who has restored order and ambition, and a squad where Manu Koné, recovered from his ankle injury contracted against Midtjylland, perfectly embodies this change towards power and intensity, the Giallorossi have never seemed so ready. This time, yes, they are playing the title more than ever.
