Gian Piero Gasperini ‘had no doubts’ Roma would react well to the Real Madrid match, as they beat Genoa 2-0. ‘Losing that way was devastating because the performance was so good.’

The Giallorossi were feeling the pressure after a run of disappointing results, including back-to-back Serie A draws with Inter and Como, but above all fumbling a 3-1 lead to lose 4-3 to Real Madrid here on Wednesday night.

It took a while to break Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa down, but in the second half they came away with the points thanks to the first Roma goals from Santiago Castro and youth product Emanuele Lulli.

This was the 300 th Serie A victory in Gasperini’s career and the best Roma start to a Serie A season for 12 years.

ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 17: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, reacts during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Genoa CFC at Stadio Olimpico on October 17, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“This was not an easy match, as Genoa were very difficult to get a hold of especially in the first half with those long balls over the top,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We did better after the break, and had a very young squad out there, but I have to say they were excellent. We won a match that counts for a great deal.”

Roma made seven changes from the side that started against Real Madrid midweek, although some were forced by injuries to Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné, Mile Svilar and Bryan Cristante, plus the one-match Serie A ban for top scorer Donyell Malen.

From a tactical formation and squad depth perspective, "Gasperini: ‘No doubt Roma would respond, devastating loss to Real Madrid’" carries substantial tournament implications for international seeding and domestic campaign momentum. Coaching staffs are heavily weighing high-pressing efficiency (PPDA), defensive transition pace, and fixture fatigue management.

Tactical analysts monitoring Match Previews metrics emphasize that squad adaptability and set-piece execution will likely dictate outcomes in high-leverage knockout environments. Real-time match telemetry and tracking data continue to inform managerial decision-making.

Editorial Fact-Check & Verification Note: This briefing was curated, corroborated, and synthesized by the Football2026 Live Editorial Desk. Readers following "Gasperini: ‘No doubt Roma would respond, devastating loss to Real Madrid’" are encouraged to review the full primary source coverage linked below for complete historical context, direct quotes, and official statements.