Roma vs Slovan Bratislava: Player Ratings as Gasperini’s Side Claim First Champions League Win
Roma delivered a confident performance at the Olimpico, defeating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 on Matchday Three of the Champions League. The result gave Gian Piero Gasperini’s team its first victory of the campaign and offered a timely boost before two demanding away fixtures against Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Goals from Mario Hermoso, Molina, Niccolò Pisilli and Donyell Malen reflected Roma’s growing control as the match progressed. The hosts were not always at full throttle in the opening half, but they defended comfortably, created the more dangerous chances and turned their advantage into a convincing finish after the break. Here are the Roma player ratings, with a closer look at the performances that shaped the result.
Roma Player Ratings
Goalkeeper and Defence
Gollini — Not rated: Roma’s goalkeeper had little to do on a quiet evening. Slovan offered limited threat in front of goal, and Gollini was rarely called upon to make a significant intervention.
Ghilardi — 7: Ghilardi made a valuable contribution at both ends. He rose above the Slovan defence to direct a header into the path of Hermoso for Roma’s opening goal, then handled his defensive duties with confidence. Late in the match, he thought he had scored his first Champions League goal with an excellent finish, only for the effort to be ruled out because two Roma players were offside.
Balerdi — 6.5: A composed, uncomplicated display from Balerdi. He kept Marcelli under control and occasionally pushed forward during set-piece situations. With Slovan unable to sustain much attacking pressure, the defender was rarely stretched.
Hermoso — 7: Strong in the air and dependable in his leadership, Hermoso opened the scoring with a well-timed finish. The goal was his second of the season and another reminder that he can offer Roma a threat from dead-ball situations as well as stability at the back. Koulierakis — Not rated: Replaced Hermoso in the 77th minute and had little time to influence the contest.
Molina — 7: Molina provided energy on the right, repeatedly moving up and down the flank. His work was rewarded when he arrived in the box to turn in Roma’s second goal, earning his first goal for the club. The finish was simple, but his timing and willingness to join the attack made it count.
Midfield and Wide Players
Pisilli — 7: Pisilli brought movement and attacking intent to midfield. He tested the goalkeeper with a sharp left-footed strike from outside the area before finding the net later in the match. His goal followed an inventive move involving Malen, and his celebration—kissing the captain’s armband—added an emotional note to an impressive performance.
de Roon — 6.5: De Roon supplied the discipline and effort that helped Roma control the middle of the pitch. He did not dominate the headlines, but his work rate and ability to keep the team organised made him a useful presence for Gasperini. Mancini — Not rated: Came on in the 77th minute as Roma managed the closing stages.
Wesley — 7.5: Wesley grew into the game after a relatively quiet first half. He became more influential after the break, using his pace and direct running to trouble Slovan’s defence. His through ball to substitute Soulé helped launch the attack that ended with Pisilli’s goal. Wesley also won the penalty after Blackman brought him down, giving Malen the chance to complete Roma’s scoring. He left the pitch having established himself as one of the night’s most effective players. Rensch — 6: Replaced Wesley in the 59th minute and helped Roma retain possession, although he was more restrained going forward.
Mora — 6.5: One of Roma’s liveliest players early on, Mora helped create the match’s first promising opening and kept Slovan’s defence alert with his movement. He was unable to convert a chance created by Malen, though the opportunity would have been ruled out for offside. His energy still helped set the tone for Roma’s attacking approach.
Pellegrini — 6.5: Pellegrini’s excellent looping free-kick created the opening goal, with Ghilardi turning the delivery into an assist for Hermoso. He also worked hard without the ball, but a minor physical issue forced him off in the 52nd minute. Soulé — 6.5: Introduced after the break, Soulé helped set up Malen during the move that led to Roma’s third goal. He added quality and composure to the attack.
Attack
Malen — 8: Malen was Roma’s standout performer and a constant threat behind the Slovan defence. Early on, he burst forward to create a clear chance for Mora, then forced a save from Takac that led to Molina’s goal. He continued to stretch the visitors after the interval, beating Barseghyan before setting up Pisilli and later testing Slovan on the counter-attack. Malen then calmly converted the penalty for 4-0. His pace, movement and finishing gave Roma a forward who could change the game in several different ways. Castro — 6: Came on in the 59th minute with the result largely settled and joined the team’s celebrations as Roma saw out a comfortable win.
Gasperini’s Tactics and the Match Prediction Takeaway
Gian Piero Gasperini — 7: Gasperini deserves credit for ensuring Roma approached the fixture with focus rather than complacency. His side stayed organised, used its width effectively and increased the pressure as the match unfolded. Malen’s ability to threaten in behind gave Roma a direct route forward, while the contributions of Wesley and Molina stretched Slovan across the pitch. The second-half goals demonstrated how quickly Roma could turn control into a decisive scoreline.
For supporters following Champions League football, this result offers encouragement but should not be treated as a guarantee of success in the tougher matches ahead. Roma’s next away fixtures, against Manchester United and PSG, will provide a much sterner test of its defensive discipline and ability to create chances under pressure. A sensible prediction is that Roma will need the same intensity and attacking movement shown at the Olimpico, while also being more clinical when opportunities are limited.
Still, the 4-0 victory gives Gasperini’s team a strong platform. Hermoso and Molina supplied the early breakthrough, Pisilli added a memorable goal, and Malen capped a complete attacking display with a penalty. Roma now have their first Champions League win of the season—and a clear opportunity to build momentum before the competition’s most demanding stretch begins.
