Gasperini hails Roma shape after 4-0 Slovan win but fears Pellegrini injury

Gasperini pleased with response but concerned by Pellegrini setback

Roma secured their first Champions League victory of the campaign with a 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico, ending frustration after a 1-1 draw away to Fenerbahce and a 4-3 collapse at home to Real Madrid after leading 3-1.

The Giallorossi knew the tie against Slovan was a must-win and responded with goals from Mario Hermoso, Nahuel Molina, Niccolò Pisilli and a Donyell Malen penalty.

"Undoubtedly the team is in good shape, but it mustn’t rest on its laurels," Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia. "It has to do the essentials consistently, and on nights like this, it ought to be a little more precise too."

Gasperini stressed the importance of the approach from the start, both for points and for goal difference in the league phase.

"It was important for us to have the right approach from the start, both because we needed three points, and also that there are no easy games in the Champions League. I liked the way we played, and rotating we had no excuses about fatigue."

The squad rotation was partly forced by injuries, and the evening was soured when captain Lorenzo Pellegrini had to come off early in the second half with a muscular issue.

"I saw very important responses from the squad, because the fixture list is packed and I need everyone to be up to the task," Gasperini continued. "This allows us to go forward with confidence and expand the list of potential starters in this team. My only worry is that now we’ve got Bryan Cristante back on the bench, we risk losing Pellegrini for a while."

Roma now head into a run of tough Champions League tests, away to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

"They are incredible tests and give us the opportunity to grow even more. This is the spirit with which we will approach those games," Gasperini added.