Soccer
How Gasperini has transformed Roma into Serie A title contenders
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When Gian Piero Gasperini arrived at Roma in June following a long and successful spell at Atalanta, the Giallorossi entered a new era.
The early signs of his impact have been striking. Roma sit among the frontrunners in the 2025-26 Serie A season.
After 11 matches, they have collected 24 points from eight wins and just three losses, registering an impressive average of 2.18 points per game and sitting second in the standings.
Gasperini’s first mission was tactical renewal. He switched Roma into the kind of high-pressing, intense system that made his Atalanta sides so effective, but with a sharper defensive edge this time around. The back-three of Gianluca Mancini, Zeki Celik and Mario Hermoso has quickly become a foundation.
One of the standout metrics is Roma’s defensive record, with seven clean sheets in 11 league matches and only five goals conceded, the best in Serie A at this stage.
The robustness of the defence alongside Gasperini’s aggressive pressing has turned Roma into a side that hurts you not just with their attack but by refusing to be hurt in return.
On the recruitment front, Roma’s summer was proactive. The club backed Gasperini with signings tailored to his style: the youthful forward Evan Ferguson was signed on loan from Brighton, the Brazilian wing-back Wesley Franca was a €25 million buy from Flamengo and versatile midfielder El Aynaoui Neil arrived from Lens for €23.5 million to bring fresh dynamism.
Ferguson, still adapting to Italian football, provides a focal point while the others bring the verticality Gasperini demands.
Silvia Lore/Getty Images
The results have followed. Key victories over established sides, including wins over capital rivals Lazio, Fiorentina and Udinese, have helped underline the early credentials of this Roma team. Although they are not yet the most free-scoring outfit in the league, their balanced development offers more substance than pure flair.
Individual performances also deserve mention. Matias Soule has grown into the creative hub as the Argentine links midfield and attack. His influence has been pivotal in recent games.
Meanwhile, veteran leadership from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante continues to anchor the middle of the park, allowing the younger recruits to flourish.
In short, Gasperini has already instilled belief, structure and ambition at Roma.
The defensive solidity and tactical clarity are the foundations. The summer activity shows a club buying for system rather than a spectacle.
If they maintain momentum, Roma are no longer just dark horses – they are legitimate title contenders in Serie A.
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