Roma have become the first team in Champions League or European Cup history to surrender a two-goal lead in two matches during the same season, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The latest collapse came at Old Trafford, where Gian Piero Gasperini’s side lost after again appearing in control before half-time. Roma’s performance followed the pattern seen against Real Madrid: dominant in the opening period, then vulnerable after the interval.
Against Real Madrid, the decisive collapse unfolded over the final seven minutes. At Manchester United, Roma spent at least 40 minutes under pressure, conceding a controversial penalty and making several errors, including mistakes involving Malen.
“This is not a coincidence,” Gasperini said.
The manager had experienced a similar result at Old Trafford in 2021 with Atalanta. His side led 2-0 at half-time through goals from Pasalic and Demiral, but Manchester United recovered after the break, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winning goal nine minutes from time.
Roma have now dropped eight points from winning positions in this Champions League campaign, the highest total in the competition. They also surrendered a two-goal advantage against Internazionale in Serie A, while eight of the 10 goals they have conceded this season have come in the second half.
Opponents have often struck soon after the restart. McTominay scored in the third minute against Napoli, Zaniolo in the 50th minute against Udinese and Bruno Fernandes in the 58th minute for Manchester United. Lautaro scored against Internazionale in the 46th minute, Ederson against Atalanta in the 47th and Archie Brown against Fenerbahce in the 48th.
That recurring drop in performance has made the period immediately after half-time a particularly profitable one for Roma’s opponents.
Gasperini wants a different solution
The demands of Gasperini’s approach may be contributing to the problem. His high-intensity style is difficult to maintain for a full 90 minutes, making tactical alternatives particularly important when Roma’s physical level falls, especially against strong opposition.
Instead, the team have struggled to adjust under pressure and have continued to rely on individual battles, even when some players appear exhausted. The two goals scored by Cunha late in the match at Old Trafford highlighted that weakness.
“In terms of confrontation and game intensity, we should have had more stoppages and more physical duels. We were somewhat overwhelmed by their impact,” Gasperini said.
There is also a psychological issue. Against both Real Madrid and Manchester United, Roma failed to respond after conceding. Their opponents were then able to exploit open spaces and turn matches that had appeared to be slipping away from them into victories.
Squad depth remains an issue
Gasperini had hoped during the summer to sign two players with different qualities from those already in his squad. He wanted players capable of taking Roma further up the pitch when fatigue emerged and providing greater distance on counter-attacks.
Greenwood, Summerville, Leweling and Endrick were among the targets, but each deal collapsed at the final stage for different reasons. Gasperini is now seeking similar reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Roma are stronger than they were last season, but their squad lacks the depth required to maintain the same standards across three competitions, particularly if injuries affect midfield and attack. Returning to the Champions League after a seven-year absence brings a higher tempo, and progress will require substitutes capable of filling in without the team immediately missing its regular starters.
