Gourna-Douath on Roma ‘dream’ and what makes Italian football ‘different’ | OneFootball

Lucas Gourna-Douath was ‘very happy’ to see Roma take all the three points against Venezia in his debut for the club, which saw the midfielder start alongside Bryan Cristante before being replaced by Nicolò Pisilli in the second half.

Coach Claudio Ranieri also commented on the 21-year-old’s display in a post-match press conference, admitting he decided to take him off after 58 minutes due to a yellow card.

Angelino of Roma makes a run into the penalty area as Mikael Ellertsson of Venezia covers back during the Serie A match between Venezia and AS Roma at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on February 09, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

The former Salzburg man is aware he needs to ‘improve’ in managing similar situations and admitted that Italian football is tactically different from what he was used to, as it requires players to be ‘smart in every aspect of the game’.

Gourna-Douath: I’m living a dream at Roma, but I need to improve

“I’m very happy with these three points, I’m living my dream playing with so many champions,” Gourna-Douath told DAZN after the match.

“The debut was complicated, but the victory came.

“Italian football is different from French football and the Champions League in terms of tactics. You have to be intelligent and smart in every aspect of the game.”

VENICE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Alessio Zerbin of Venezia and Lucas Gourna-Douath of Roma in action during the Serie A match between Venezia and AS Roma at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on February 09, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

On how the yellow card has affected his game.

“I’ve learned a lot,” he said.

“If I want to be the best midfielder, I need to improve in this area.”

The Giallorossi completed the signing of Gourna-Douath on deadline day, sealing a deal with Salzburg for a loan with an option to buy, which allows the club to make the move permanent next summer for a fee of €18m.