'Never happened to me before!' - Gian Piero Gasperini left astonished as Roma miss THREE penalties in a row in astonishing Europa League scenes

Lille took an early lead in the sixth minute of the match through Hakon Arnar Haraldsson's strike, which proved enough for the French side to seal crucial three points in an away fixture. Roma had the opportunity to restore parity in the 82nd minute when they were handed a penalty. However, Lille custodian Ozer made back-to-back three saves to keep the scoreline unchanged. 

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the AS Roma boss said: "It had never happened to me before to miss three penalties in the same situation. We went behind early, which gave them the best conditions. Roma, despite some technical errors, played with desire and rhythm until the end. Maybe we weren’t strong in taking advantage of the chances but from these games you come out with something more. It was almost unique and accidental. But it happened and undoubtedly compromised the result. The team, in terms of spirit, gave a lot."

On Roma's overall performance in the game, Gasperini added: "In the second half we had continuity in attack. They are fast and technical, it wasn’t easy, but we had spirit and intensity. Of course we must make fewer mistakes but I have to look at the good things too. This is a competition where there are eight games, not a direct elimination and the team stayed focused until the end. We are sportsmen. Mistakes happen, but there is no such thing as getting discouraged. Luckily we play every three days, so we move on quickly."

The former Europa League-winning Atalanta boss took charge of AS Roma this summer and so far under his tutelage, the Italian side has made a bright start to their 2025-26 campaign, as they have won four out of their first five Serie A games. The loss against Lille was only the club's second defeat in the new season.