Roma climb back to fourth as Gasperini highlights progress, Malen’s instant impact, and regrets missed chances against Napoli
A hard-fought 2–2 draw at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium left Roma walking away with mixed emotions — relief, regret, and renewed confidence. The point lifts the Giallorossi back into sole possession of fourth place, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes it confirms a clear upward trend.
“We’ve always had this aggressive mindset,” Gasperini said after the match. “We’re fourth in the table, and that means something. I’m not afraid to say that if we had Malen in the first half of the season, we’d probably be even higher right now.”
Progress Against the Big Teams
Roma twice took the lead in Naples, only to be pegged back by a spirited Napoli side. Despite the missed opportunity for all three points, Gasperini focused on the broader picture.
“In the return round, we’ve drawn against Milan and Napoli,” he explained. “Compared to the first half of the season, that shows growth. Of course, there’s regret because we came very close to winning both games, but we’re consistently competing in big matches.”
Malen: The Perfect Fit
Once again, the spotlight belonged to Donyell Malen, who delivered another decisive performance. With five goals in his first five appearances, the Dutch attacker has made an immediate impact — a start surpassed only by club legends Gabriel Batistuta and Manfredini.
“He has exactly the qualities my football needs,” Gasperini said. “He can do everything. This team needed a striker like him, and his teammates have helped put him in the best conditions to be dangerous all the time.”
Gasperini also looked ahead with optimism. “He’s only been here for five matches. We can still improve a lot, especially if we get Dybala or El Shaarawy back, and if Soulé returns to full fitness.”
Youthful Energy, But Still Learning
Not everything satisfied the Roma coach, particularly his late-game substitutions. “We often finish matches with several young players on the pitch,” Gasperini admitted. “They bring freshness, which we need, but they still have to grow in terms of personality. Those final minutes are decisive, and some positive situations could have been handled better.”
Malen: “The Draw Feels Like a Disappointment”
Speaking shortly after his coach, Malen echoed that sentiment. “I’m disappointed we didn’t win,” he said. “Scoring twice is nice, but I would’ve preferred the victory.”
The Dutch forward praised Gasperini’s influence. “I felt trust from the start. The coach explained clearly how he wanted me to play, and I saw his ambition. That mattered a lot. I’m happy in Rome, and I’m enjoying this moment.”
Roma may have left Naples without the win they wanted, but with Malen firing and Gasperini convinced of the team’s trajectory, the Giallorossi’s push for Champions League football looks increasingly real.
