Gian Piero Gasperini’s influence at Roma is becoming increasingly evident, with the Italian side producing attacking numbers rarely seen at this stage of a Serie A season.
Roma have registered 68 shots in their opening three league matches, a remarkable figure that underlines the transformation taking place under their new coach. The Giallorossi have also made an impressive start to the campaign, winning all three games and moving to the top of the table.
The latest victory, a 2-1 win over Atalanta, carried particular significance for Gasperini, who previously managed the Bergamo club. More importantly, it addressed one of Roma’s biggest weaknesses from last season: their inability to consistently beat the teams competing near the top of the standings.
Roma’s attacking transformation
The 68 shots are only part of the story. Forty-seven of those attempts have come from inside the penalty area, highlighting how frequently Roma are managing to penetrate the final third and create opportunities in dangerous positions.
Their expected-goals figures tell a similar story. Roma recorded 3.78 xG against Fiorentina, followed by 4.14 against Lecce and 3.54 in the victory over Atalanta.
The numbers could have been even higher. Against Fiorentina and Lecce, Roma reduced their intensity after taking control of the matches. They showed no such drop-off against Atalanta, producing 36 shots in one of the most dominant attacking performances of the early season.
The Atalanta match also produced an extraordinary statistical combination. Roma recorded more than 70 touches inside the opposition penalty area, over 35 shots, more than 30 chances created and at least 10 efforts on target.
It was a combination not seen in Serie A since 2022 — when Gasperini’s Atalanta were the team setting those standards.
A different challenge from last season
Roma’s strong start is particularly significant because of their struggles against the leading teams last season.
They managed only one victory in 12 matches against the seven highest-placed sides in the league, a record that ultimately limited their title ambitions. The early win against Atalanta suggests that problem may already be changing.
Roma now face an important run of fixtures, with Inter, Como and Napoli among their upcoming opponents. Those matches will provide a much clearer indication of whether their impressive opening weeks can develop into a genuine title challenge.
For now, however, Gasperini is allowing his players to believe.
“Dreams should not be suffocated,” the coach said after the win over his former club, suggesting that expectations inside the Roma camp are beginning to grow.
More options in attack
The team’s improved attacking output is not dependent on one player.
Donyell Malen has been an important part of the attack alongside Paulo Dybala, although his influence was more limited against Atalanta. Matias Soulé has continued to develop, while Rodrigo Mora has added another creative option.
Roma have also strengthened their depth with the arrival of Lucas Castro, giving Gasperini another high-quality alternative in the attacking department.
The growing number of options is allowing the coach to maintain pressure on opponents throughout matches, while the team’s ability to repeatedly reach the penalty area has become one of its defining characteristics.
Roma have now won their first three league games, extending their winning run to eight matches when the final five victories of last season are included. That late-season surge helped them climb to third place and provided the foundation for the optimism surrounding the new campaign.
Champions League provides the next test
The domestic momentum will now be put aside as Roma turn their attention to Europe.
Their Champions League campaign begins with a trip to Istanbul to face Fenerbahce on Thursday. The Turkish side includes Mason Greenwood, a player Roma had previously hoped to sign.
But there is little room for distractions at Roma right now. Gasperini’s team is playing with confidence, creating chances at an exceptional rate and showing signs of becoming increasingly comfortable with the demands of his football.
The early results are encouraging, but the next few weeks will reveal whether Roma are simply enjoying an excellent start or have genuinely developed into one of Serie A’s leading contenders.
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