Gian Piero Gasperini revels in attacking tactical tweak as Roma beat Sassuolo

Roma went level with league leaders Napoli at the top of Serie A, after Gian Piero Gasperini's frontline experiment paid off in the 1-0 win over Sassuolo. 

Gasperini's side went into the game off the back of two straight defeats, following last weekend's reverse to Inter and the midweek disappointment in Europe against Viktoria Plzeň. However, a change in approach to his attack made all the difference, as they got back to winning ways. 

Paulo Dybala was deployed as a 'false 9' and scored the only goal of the game, while Bryan Cristante played in a more advanced role, something he'd be known for earlier in his career, and the tweak paid off as they recorded a vital three points. 

“I am very satisfied with our position, but also with today’s game, as it was not easy against a Sassuolo side that is doing well. Gasperini told DAZN Italia after the win, before going on to explain the decision to play Dybala in a role that had previously not worked for his side and the idea to move Cristante further forward. 

“I never doubted that Dybala was a striker. I might’ve had doubts on others. He can play as a centre-forward, a support striker, just not really wide. Players have characteristics and a coach must try to make the most of those strengths.

“I have to say Mario Pasalic scored lots of goals in that role over the years with me and Atalanta, but even if it was eight years ago, Cristante had been doing it first! He hasn’t forgotten, he is now more mature and experienced, so is giving the team a big hand.”

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With the win moving them level on points with Napoli at the top of Serie A, the manager set his sights on improving Roma's home record ahead of the visit of Parma on Wednesday. 

They've already been defeated four times in front of their own fans this season and it's a record that the former Atalanta boss knows needs improving. 

“It is absolutely a priority to win at home. It’s a pity for our fans, who were not accustomed to seeing so many defeats. With an always sold out stadium and passionate crowd behind us, we want to give them something to celebrate,” added Gasperini.

“Some performances were unlucky, but others like on Thursday we really should’ve won. We have to be wary, as evidently some of our characteristics see us hit our heads against a brick wall at home and then concede on the counter, so we need to be more efficient.”

 

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