Roma’s build-up to Cagliari has been coloured by an exchange between two of Serie A’s most experienced coaches, after Gian Piero Gasperini described Massimiliano Allegri’s recent remarks as unfortunate.
Key takeaways
- Gasperini responded to Allegri’s comments roughly two days after Napoli’s 3-3 draw with Roma.
- The Roma coach said the relevant evidence from last season was already available in the records of the team’s matches.
- Allegri’s outburst came after Balerdi’s second goal settled the score at 3-3 in the closing stages.
- The Milan coach was sent off during the match and has received a two-match ban.
Gasperini closes the discussion before Cagliari
Speaking before Roma’s next league fixture against Cagliari, Gasperini was asked about Allegri’s post-match suggestion that Roma had been handed Champions League qualification last season, adding that he had paid the price for it with Milan.
Gasperini said he had not personally heard the statement at first, but accepted that it had been reported accurately. He chose not to extend the argument, calling the remark “unfortunate” and pointing instead to the numbers, testimony and data from Roma’s previous campaign.
“There are figures, accounts and evidence from our matches last year,” Gasperini said. “I have not seen any comment supporting that claim. It was an unfortunate thing to say. Everything that needed to be said has already been said, so I have nothing else to add.”
The Roma coach’s response leaves the matter in the background as his side turn their attention to Cagliari, with the league calendar offering little room for a public dispute between benches to become a larger distraction.
Allegri’s frustration in the Napoli-Roma finale
Allegri’s remarks followed a tense finish to Napoli-Roma. Balerdi struck twice, with his second goal producing the final 3-3 scoreline and setting off a furious reaction from the Tuscan coach on the touchline.
During the commotion, Allegri removed his jacket and protested vehemently at the side of the pitch before being shown a red card. The dismissal has resulted in a two-game suspension.
His later comments about Roma and last season’s Champions League race emerged from that same frustration. Gasperini, however, has made clear that he does not intend to add further fuel before an important next step in Roma’s Serie A campaign.
