Roma secured a 1-0 victory over Pisa thanks to Matias Soule’s goal, marking their second win under Gian Piero Gasperini. Atalanta drew 1-1 with Parma after a late equalizer. Bologna also won, defeating Como 1-0. Gasperini’s Roma have shown strong defensive form, achieving two clean sheets in their first two games, with Dybala reaching his 350th Serie A appearance.
Roma continued their impressive start to the Serie A season under new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Pisa. Matias Soule's second-half goal proved to be the difference in a tightly contested match at the Arena Garibaldi. This win marks Roma's second consecutive victory to begin the campaign, following their opening-day triumph over Bologna.
The match was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. Pisa, playing their first home Serie A game since 1984, started brightly and almost took the lead in the eighth minute when Henrik Meister's header forced a smart save from Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Meister also came close later in the first half, his angled shot shaving the outside of the post.
Roma gradually grew into the game, but they found it difficult to break down Pisa's stubborn defense. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 55th minute, courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Matias Soule. The Argentine winger latched onto Paulo Dybala's incisive pass, expertly held up by Evan Ferguson, before sweeping a precise finish into the bottom-left corner of the net. It was a well-taken goal that showcased Soule's composure and technique.
Soule thought he had doubled Roma's lead just six minutes later, but his celebrations were cut short when the referee ruled that he had handled the ball in the build-up. Despite the disallowed goal, Roma continued to press for a second, but Pisa remained resolute.
In the closing stages, Pisa pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Roma's defense held firm to secure a valuable three points. The victory further strengthens Roma's position as a team to watch this season under Gasperini, who has instilled a sense of belief and organization into the side.
Meanwhile, in another Serie A encounter, Atalanta were held to a 1-1 draw by Parma at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. Gian Piero Gasperini's former club, Atalanta, had to settle for a point after Patrick Cutrone's late equaliser for the home side.
Atalanta dominated much of the game. Gianluca Scamacca rattled the woodwork with a powerful effort before Lautaro Valenti responded in kind for Parma. Atalanta finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when Mario Pasalic fired a low drive past the Parma goalkeeper.
However, their lead proved to be short-lived. Just six minutes later, Parma substitute Patrick Cutrone, making his debut for the club, pounced on a rebound after Marco Carnesecchi parried Enrico Delprato's header. It was a dramatic equaliser that earned Parma a well-deserved point against a strong Atalanta side.
Elsewhere in Serie A, Bologna secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Cesc Fabregas' Como. Riccardo Orsolini's deflected strike in the 59th minute proved to be the decisive moment in the match. Alex Valle was unfortunate to see the ball ricochet off him and into the net.
Data Debrief: Gasperini's flying start
Gasperini's impact at Roma has been immediate and impressive. For the first time in his Serie A career, he has overseen two clean sheets in the first two games of a campaign. Roma's defensive solidity is a testament to his tactical acumen and the players' commitment.
Roma's impressive form extends beyond the start of this season. They have accumulated 55 points in Serie A this calendar year, more than any other team in the league. Their defensive record is equally impressive, with 13 clean sheets in the same period, the most in Europe's top five leagues.
Paulo Dybala's involvement in Soule's goal further highlights his importance to the Roma team. The Argentine playmaker continues to be a creative force, dictating play and unlocking defenses with his incisive passes. Saturday's game was Dybala's 350th in Serie A, a remarkable achievement that places him 18th in the all-time charts for Serie A appearances by non-Italian players. He's played 61 games with Palermo, 210 with Juventus and 79 for Roma, displaying consistency and longevity at the highest level.