Roma boss fires subtle shot at officiating while stressing high stakes of decisive showdown with Bologna
On the eve of a pivotal Europa League clash, Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini didn’t hold back—especially when the conversation turned to referees.
Speaking from the club’s training ground in Trigoria, Gasperini addressed the media ahead of the second leg against Bologna, a match that will determine who advances to the quarterfinals. While emphasizing the balance between the two sides, the veteran coach also took aim at officiating decisions that have frustrated him in recent weeks.
“Sometimes, when you feel like you’re being made fun of, you just have to play dumb,” Gasperini said with a wry smile. “That way, you don’t put anyone in a difficult position.”
The remark, delivered with irony but unmistakable intent, came as he reflected on controversial moments from recent matches. Though he stopped short of directly criticizing specific referees, the message was clear: frustration is simmering beneath the surface.
A finely balanced matchup
Turning his attention to the game itself, Gasperini made it clear he expects a tightly contested battle at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico, where more than 65,000 Roma supporters are expected, along with around 3,500 traveling Bologna fans.
“The two teams are very similar in terms of quality,” he said. “It’s going to be an extremely important match.”
Despite Roma’s stature, Gasperini rejected the idea that his side should be considered favorites. Bologna, he noted, have regained form after a slower start to their domestic campaign and were competing in the Champions League just last season.
“The ambition is the same for both teams,” he added. “Their level is very close to ours.”
Injuries and obstacles
Roma head into the match dealing with several absences, including Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé, while long-term injuries have further limited options. Gasperini acknowledged the challenges but refused to use them as excuses.
“There have been games where we struggled, partly due to squad issues,” he explained. “But the attitude has never been wrong. Not once.”
He also pointed to key moments in recent matches that have gone against his team, suggesting that small incidents have had an outsized impact during a difficult stretch.
All or nothing
With a place in the Europa League quarterfinals on the line, Gasperini described the matchup as a true knockout scenario—one that brings a different kind of intensity compared to league play.
“These are games where every detail matters,” he said. “You have less room to recover, so single moments can decide everything.”
Still, he embraced the occasion, calling these fixtures among the most exciting in European competition.
“Matches like this are always fascinating,” he said. “They’re what you play for.”
Beyond the immediate stakes, Gasperini also highlighted the broader significance of the tie, suggesting that both Roma and Bologna have a chance to represent Italian football on a bigger stage.
“They can bring pride and recognition to Italian football,” he said. “Both teams have shown they belong.”
Now, with tension building and the spotlight intensifying, all eyes turn to the Olimpico—where the drama will unfold over 90 minutes, or more.
