Sassuolo, Italy – October 26: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates the victory after the Serie A match between Sassuolo Calcio and AS Roma at the Mapei Stadium Città del Tricolore in Sassuolo, Italy, on October 26, 2025. (Photo by Alessandro Sabatini/Getty Images)
“As a player and as a fan, I am very happy that Gian Piero Gasperini has become Roma manager,” Lorenzo Pellegrini said, praising Artem Dovvik’s move after the win against Glasgow Rangers.
The Giallorossi were under pressure following tough defeats to Lille and Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League and to Inter and Milan in Serie A.
They looked surprisingly comfortable at Ibrox, with Matthias Soule’s corner kick and Pellegrini’s push in from Dobvik’s lay-off before half-time securing a 2-0 win.
Pellegrini can feel Roma’s real progress
Pellegrini told Sky Sports Italia: “It was important to win today and regain ground, but contrary to what some may think, this was not an easy match.”
“We wanted to be consistent and we can certainly do better, but we are on the right path.”
Roma have perhaps started the season better than expected under new coach Gian Piero Gasperini, but they have had some stumbling blocks, particularly in goal-scoring situations.
“I think it’s still early days, but what we have to appreciate is that this team is continually improving. We were getting results at the beginning of the season, but we didn’t have the determination or the visible improvement that we saw today.
“The goal now is to continue to improve and soon our true strength will be clear to us and everyone else.”
Pellegrini had started the season in the transfer window after being told his contract would not be renewed, but he was slowly making progress towards a return to the team.
“It was difficult at first because I was coming back from injury and lacked match fitness, but after the derby I was able to have the consistency that I really wanted.
“Right now, I feel good physically, both when I come off the bench and when I start a game. I’m very happy, because it was a tough summer mentally as well.”
“The manager is very demanding, but he knows the right buttons to press. As a player and as a fan, I am very happy that he is Roma’s manager.”
One of the biggest changes Gasperini is trying to make is in attack, and Pellegrini feels he is making real progress, as evidenced by today’s assist.
“We’re trying to communicate more. Today Artem was making some moves to shake off his marker, but a while ago he probably wouldn’t have tried. So if he does that more, we’ll be able to get the ball to him in better positions.”
“It’s a split-second decision on the pitch so it’s something we have to work on, but we’re all getting a lot better.”
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