Dovbyk Strikes, Gasperini Plan Delivers, Roma back to first place

In a pivotal Round 9 fixture of the 2025-26 Serie A season, AS Roma edged Parma 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico. The victory brings Roma level on 21 points from nine games with co-leaders Napoli. Parma remain mired in the lower half of the table, with seven points from eight matches. 

First Half: Cautious Opening, Few Clear Chances

Roma entered the match with the objective of consolidating their early-season momentum under coach Gian Piero Gasperini — notably, their defence had conceded only three goals in the opening eight games.

Parma, by contrast, were facing difficulties in attack, and their away form indicated limited goal threat. 

Throughout the first half, both sides struggled to impose a sustained attacking rhythm. Roma maintained territorial dominance but lacked incisiveness; Parma defended in numbers and rarely threatened with sustained pressure. At one stage, Roma thought they had scored via Matías Soulé, but the goal was ruled out for offside after interference with the goalkeeper’s view.

The half ended goalless with Roma needing a sharper edge.

Second Half: Tactical Adjustments and Game Breakers

Roma emerged after the break with a better structure: the timing of the first goal reflected improved set-piece threat. In the 63rd minute, defender Mario Hermoso rose unmarked to head in from a corner, opening the scoring. This goal underscored two important points:

• Roma’s ability to convert from set-plays when open-play chances were limited.
• Gasperini’s adjustment to emphasise aerial dominance and defensive solidity.

With the lead, Roma managed the game while still probing for a second goal. In the 81st minute, forward Artem Dovbyk capitalised on a rebound and smashed home to extend the lead to 2-0. 

Parma refused to capitulate and pulled one back in the 86th minute via Alessandro Circati, injecting late drama. They piled on pressure in stoppage time, but Roma held firm.

Coach Comments

Gian Piero Gasperini (AS Roma head coach)

“Yes, we struggled in the first half hour — partly our fault because some things aren’t clear yet. Then we found the right balance, attacked at length in the second half, and scored. The match became much easier, although that late goal caused a moment of concern.” 
“I’m pleased — Dybala is really fit, and so is much of the squad. Morale is high, and the team is in a good moment. Technically, we can always improve. Even tonight we developed some good patterns, and I’d say we’re growing.” 
“That incident at the end of the first half [disallowed goal] didn’t go in our favour… Mistakes can happen, but previous errors were also present. There shouldn’t be different interpretations; it creates confusion.” 

Carlos Cuesta (Parma head coach)

“Roma is a very strong team with clear ideas. Gasperini is a benchmark in Italy for the style of play he’s inspired and a great role model for all coaches.” 
“We gave it our all, and I have no regrets: we fought until the very end. We’ll analyze what we’ve missed.” 

Player Comment

Artem Dovbyk (AS Roma forward, scorer)

“The coach and everyone try to help me. I just try to do my job. Confidence is very important for a striker. I was happy to score.”

Key Observations

• Roma’s Defence: The clean-sheet streak ended, yet the defence displayed resilience. Hermoso’s goal also underlined the dual role defenders must play — first line of defence, second line of attack.
• Roma’s Attack & Transitions: Open-play attacks remained inconsistent; the two goals came from set-pieces and rebound opportunism. Their game still relies significantly on moments rather than sustained dominance.
• Parma’s Shortcomings: The visitors showed spirit but lacked a cutting edge. Their late goal proved insufficient: they spent much of the match second-guessing the structured Roma defensive lines and conceded space on transitions.
• Tactical Game Management: Gasperini’s halt-gap work continues to bear fruit — Roma are blending patience with opportunism. The match highlighted their maturity in converting moments rather than forging an onslaught.
• Table Implications: With this win, Roma remain firmly in the title-chase conversation. Parma must now reassess, as bottom-half status after nine rounds places pressure on the coaching staff and recruitment.

What Next

For Roma:

• They need to convert their defensive stability into more consistent attacking output. Reliance on set-pieces may not suffice against stronger opposition.
• Maintaining focus in early periods — they allowed Parma too much rhythm initially.

For Parma:

• Addressing attacking inefficiency must be a priority. The late goal showed character, but earlier lethargy cost them.
• Tactical adaptation on the road: away matches must shift from containment to proactive threat generation.

Conclusion

This 2-1 result affirms Roma’s progression under Gasperini. They maintain momentum, remain in the title-race bracket and show a growing capacity to grind out results. Parma, meanwhile, still faces the challenge of turning possession and structure into goals and is yet to fully find their identity in the top flight. The result may not grab headlines as a flamboyant win — but in the context of the season, it’s a meaningful one for Roma’s ambitions.