Gasperini: ‘Roma victory bodes well for future’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledges that Roma starting with a victory over Bologna ‘bodes well’ for the future, especially as they showed ‘the character to fight.’

This was the competitive debut for the new coach on the Giallorossi bench and he didn’t totally transform his line-up, choosing only Wesley Franca and Evan Ferguson in the starting XI of the new signings.

It was one of those who scored the decisive goal, specifically wing-back Wesley from a tricky angle, to beat Bologna 1-0.

Gasperini pleased with first Roma performance

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Wesley Franca of AS Roma (hidden) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“I congratulate the players, as the first match is always tricky, especially when you aren’t quite sure of the movements and positions. Instead, we started on the right track against a very good side like Bologna, so this bodes well,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We are talking about very young players who have great room for improvement, but they already showed today what they can do. The squad was solid in pre-season too, I saw a lot of good things this evening and the fans appreciated it, which was lovely for us.”

This was also the 600th Serie A match of Gasperini’s coaching career, a remarkable way to begin his Roma adventure after nine years with Atalanta.

“We kept tight, maintained our shape, the strikers did really well helping in defence, we were aggressive and precise. I saw good quality in the first half-hour especially, when we probably deserved to be ahead, then Bologna fought back, but we always looked strong defensively,” continued the coach.

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“If we had been a little sharper, we might’ve scored the second goal and made it a calmer finale. Having said that, struggling to the end is positive, because it shows me that this team has character to fight.”

Manu Koné had been approached by Inter this summer, but Roma held on to him, reportedly because Gasperini asked to keep the midfielder.

“We played with courage and it was not easy, because Bologna have a lot of quality in attack. We know that a mistake can be punished at any moment, but we played consistently, won back the ball regularly, and had a supremacy in midfield.

“I am satisfied, as this was the first match and it is not easy for anyone in the opening weekend. Playing with this spirit, in front of these fans, against a strong opponent, that gives us confidence going forward,” concluded Gasperini.