Roma suffered their first defeat of the season against Torino, with Gasperini lamenting an avoidable goal. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Roma couldn’t convert, while Torino’s clinical finishing secured the win. Gasperini cited player fatigue and high temperatures as contributing factors to the loss.
Roma's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, expressed his disappointment after his team suffered their first defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss against Torino at the Stadio Olimpico. Gasperini labeled Torino's decisive goal as "avoidable," highlighting the frustration felt by the Giallorossi after a match where they dominated in several aspects but failed to convert their chances.
The match saw Giovanni Simeone scoring a stunning goal against the run of play, just before the hour mark, securing a valuable victory for Torino. Despite Roma's significant efforts, including registering 22 shots and an expected goals (xG) rate of 1.3, they couldn't break through Torino's defense. This defeat not only marked Roma's first home league loss of 2025 but also cost them the opportunity to move level on points with Serie A leaders Napoli and Juventus, both of whom had secured wins on Saturday.
Gasperini pointed out that the late return of several players from international duties, combined with the high temperature in Rome, contributed to his team's subdued performance. He told DAZN, "From the start, we were lacking the ability to shoot, make the last pass, the right final ball. You have to be careful not to concede goals at this temperature, because you are lacking in energy."
First defeat of the season at the Olimpico. #ASRoma #RomaTorino pic.twitter.com/0h2e5J0xwQ
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) September 14, 2025
Reflecting on the game, Gasperini stated, "The match was decided by an avoidable goal. The energy was a little lower in this temperature, and everything became more difficult. Overall, we didn’t play a bad game, we did well on the pitch. We could have sped up a little more in our movement of the ball." His tactical approach involved starting with a "lightweight" attack, pairing Paulo Dybala with Matias Soule, while keeping Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk on the bench. However, Roma's plans were disrupted when Dybala had to be substituted at halftime due to a physical problem, the extent of which is still being assessed.
"Dybala had a small physical problem, so he had to come off," Gasperini confirmed. "Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious." The injury to Dybala adds to the concerns for Roma, who will be hoping for a swift recovery as they aim to bounce back from this setback. The team's inability to convert their dominance into goals, coupled with defensive lapses, proved costly, handing Torino a victory they scarcely deserved based on the balance of play.
Torino's disciplined performance and clinical finishing were enough to secure the three points, leaving Roma to ponder what might have been. The Giallorossi will need to address their shortcomings in both attack and defense to ensure they don't fall further behind in the Serie A title race. This defeat serves as a wake-up call for Gasperini's side, highlighting the need for greater consistency and resilience as they navigate the challenges of a long and demanding season.
Looking ahead, Roma faces a crucial period where they must rediscover their form and confidence. The team's ability to respond positively to this setback will be a key indicator of their title credentials. With injuries and fatigue playing a role, Gasperini will need to utilize his squad depth effectively and find the right balance to maintain a strong challenge at the top of Serie A.