Gasperini’s sarcastic response to Parma’s protests over late penalty: ‘Cuesta is right’

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini ironically responded to Parma’s protests over a late penalty in their Serie A meeting on Sunday: ‘Carlos Cuesta is right…’

Roma completed a stunning comeback in their latest Serie A match against Parma, securing a 3-2 win at the Stadio Tardini with two goals in stoppage time.

Donyell Malen converted a spot kick at minute 101, allowing Roma to catch Milan in fourth with 67 points and just two rounds remaining.

The late penalty for the Giallorossi infuriated Parma coach Cuesta, who demanded “respect” for the Gialloblu during his post-match interviews.

“I think what happened is obvious; the whole stadium and all of Italy saw it. Parma deserve respect,” the Spaniard told DAZ, as quoted by Gazzetta.

During his post-match press conference, Gasperini replied sarcastically: “There are the images; the whole of Italy will see them. Cuesta is right. They all seem very clear to me,” said the Roma boss.

“I understand the disappointment of losing in stoppage time. They played with extraordinary spirit, and that’s good for the league. Winning for us is a great source of satisfaction. We had many chances, and Suzuki was outstanding. The numbers speak for themselves, as do the incidents. It would have been a cruel blow to lose this match, so I understand the bitterness.”

Roma were awarded a late penalty after a challenge between Sascha Britschgi and Devyne Rensch, who fell to the ground in Parma’s penalty box following a mutual shirt tug.

Referee Daniele Chiffi initially didn’t give the penalty, but then changed his mind after a pitchside VAR review.

Gasperini was so nervous that he didn’t even watch Malen’s attempt, but he celebrated wildly with his players once the Dutchman converted the spot-kick.