Weekend Serie A reaction

PERUGIA coach Serse Cosmi has implored his players to improve their concentration levels, following their 3-0 defeat to Parma.

Cosmi felt there were some positives to take out of the defeat, but knows the team have to focus for 90 minutes if they are to improve in Serie A this term.

He said: "If a person comments on the result without having seen the match, they could think that on the pitch there has been just one team, but it wasn't like that.

"In the first-half we played in a very good way, we had chances, but we have been punished with our first mistake.

"In the second-half, once Parma scored their second, we were poor.

"We must stay concentrated and we must take our opportunities better."

Cosmi's Parma counterpart Cesare Prandelli felt his side were flattered by the scoreline.

"We suffered in the first-half," he said. "Perugia gave us troubles, whilst in the second-half we were better. Cosmi is right not to be happy."

Modena coach Alberto Malesani was disappointed his side succumbed to defeat against ten-man Udinese.

After David Pizarro netted a late penalty, Malesani said: "We had opportunities to be better, as Udinese had a numerical inferiority.

"In comparison to the match with Inter, we have taken a step backwards."

Delio Rossi has hailed his Lecce squad for the battling qualities they showed in the 3-1 win over Ancona.

"I have to thank (Guillermo) Giacomazzi and (Javier) Chevanton who wanted to play despite being tired having played for their international teams," said Delio Rossi. "But the whole team really satisfied me."

Ancona forward Maurizio Ganz has admitted to being disappointed at his side's failure to hold out for a draw.

"We played a good match and had chances," said Ganz. "And until 12 minutes from the end we thought we had a draw, then we made mistakes and lost concentration."

Reggina coach Franco Colomba was satisfied with his side's 1-1 draw with Empoli.

"Our aim was to win, but we will happily take this point," he said. "It was a match that shows us in a good way."

Empoli boss Daniele Baldini felt the side did well to take a point, which will help them in their fight to avoid the drop.

"This point is the beginning of our battle for salvation," said Baldini.

"It was important not to lose against a strong team like Reggina."

Roma produced the performance of the weekend, thumping Brescia 5-0, and midfield ace Emerson was happy with how the new signings gelled with the established stars at Stadio Olimpico.

John Carew and Cristian Chivu both marked their debuts with goals, and Emerson feels the signs are positive for the season ahead.

"We all played like a team," beamed Emerson. "If we continue in this way, we can surely obtain good results.

"Roma will fight for the scudetto, but just because we won 5-0 today we won't deceive ourselves. We must show more."

Roma coach Fabio Capello was equally happy, saying: "We started the season in a good way and the team are in better condition than last year.

"But everyone must accept my choices; this team can achieve major things."

Brescia chief Gianni De Biasi admitted his side were second best on the day.

"We ran into an excellent Roma team," he said. "After the first goal, they killed off the game in 15 minutes.

"Between them and us there was a huge gulf."