When Gian Piero Gasperini took over at Roma, the conversation quickly shifted from the dugout to something deeper. This wasn’t just about swapping one coach for another—it was about figuring out what kind of team Roma is actually trying to become.
Gasperini’s name carries a clear tactical identity. At Atalanta, he built a reputation for high-intensity pressing, fluid movement, and a preference for three at the back. At Roma, we’re already seeing signs of that influence. But it’s early, and the question remains: is this the beginning of a new chapter built around his vision, or just a short-term adjustment to make the most of the squad he walked into?
A System in Motion
Under Gasperini, the team’s setup has clearly shifted. There’s more pressing, more urgency without the ball, and moments of defensive compactness that didn’t always show under previous managers. While he’s known for favoring a three-man backline, Roma has already flexed between systems depending on the opponent.
That kind of tactical flexibility can be a strength—or a sign that he’s still feeling out what fits. For some fans, it raises questions about consistency. For others, it shows adaptability in a transitional squad.
The formation isn’t the only thing shifting—roles within it are starting to look different too. Take Lorenzo Pellegrini. Instead of staying high up the pitch, he’s dropping deeper, taking on more responsibility in the buildup and linking play between lines. It’s a quieter role, but no less important. It shows how much Gasperini trusts him to control the rhythm of the match.
On the flanks, things are even more dynamic. Wing-backs are rotated constantly—sometimes switching sides, sometimes toggling between attacking bursts and holding shape. It’s a system in motion, and you can feel that players are still adapting, adjusting, learning.
Fans, in their own way, are adapting too. With match access not always guaranteed—depending on region or rights—some are turning to tools like try VPN for free to stay connected to the action. Supporting Roma these days isn’t just about watching—it’s about finding ways to stay close to the team, to understand its evolution, even when it’s unfolding across borders and screens.
More Than Just Shape
What’s happening at Roma isn’t just about formation. It’s about intention. With Gasperini, the conversation shifts from how Roma lines up to why it plays the way it does.
Compared to clubs like Napoli—who still value possession-heavy control—or Juventus, who often take a pragmatic approach, Roma is in a different place. This team seems to be aiming for something in between: a balance of physical intensity and tactical patience. Gasperini’s past suggests he’ll give players room to express themselves within structure—but he also demands full buy-in.
This blend is still being defined. Whether it becomes a signature style or remains a phase of experimentation depends on what comes next.
Not Just a Short‑Term Fix
The real measure of this shift will show itself when the calendar tightens. As matches stack up and fatigue or injuries start to bite, squad depth will be pushed into the spotlight. Balancing Serie A demands with Europa League nights rarely leaves managers much breathing room.
That’s the point where ideas either settle into something solid—or start to fall apart under pressure. But so far, what we’ve seen from Roma doesn’t feel like a series of quick adjustments. The changes look considered, not reactive—like the early stages of something meant to last, not just hold things together.
Identity in Progress
Roma under Gasperini feels like a work in progress—but a deliberate one. While the results will ultimately define how the project is judged, it’s already clear that Roma is moving toward something different. And for many supporters, that “something” isn’t just about tactics—it’s about believing the team is headed in a direction that matches the club’s ambition.
