Gervinho feels Italian Serie A better than English Premier League

Roma star Gervinho says that he feels that the Italian Serie A is much better compared to the English Premier League in terms of the tactical stance. Italian football has long been regarded as the home of tactical football, which is defensive and slow for most part.

The league has been in the decline for the last few years. The last Italian team to win the Champions League was AC Milan back in 2007. Since then, several top teams like Inter Milan and AC Milan have failed to even qualify for this European competition. Roma also were out of this year competition for several years before returning after an impressive campaign under Rudi Garcia.

Gervinho was a major reason behind Roma returning to the Champions League and also narrowly missing out on the title last season. The Ivory Coast star has played in the Premier League with Arsenal where he spent two years. During his time at the Emirates stadium, Gervinho was largely criticised for being inconsistent and ineffective in critical moments. At Roma, he has been given a new lease of life. Playing regularly has also helped him improve his form so much so that he is now regarded as one of the top players in this league.

"Italian football and English football are different.I learned a lot in the Premier League, where it is difficult to play against the smaller sides if you are a big club because they play very quick football and really put you under pressure.In Italy it is the opposite. It is very tactical and more complicated, especially if you don’t know the style.I have learned a lot in Italy - not just in terms of football.I feel good here in Rome and I get on well with my team-mates. I have a peaceful life," said Gervinho.