Roma head coach Rudi Garcia has admitted that Ivory Coast forward Gervinho has become a key player for his side, following the 3-2 Coppa Italia first-leg win over Napoli on Wednesday night.

Gervinho scored the opening goal and the winner on the night, and despite his excellent performances this season Garcia said that the former Arsenal man can continue to improve.

"Am I surprised Gervinho is doing so well? Absolutely not," he told Rai Sport. "I think he can do a lot better, as he has some things to work on.

"Above all he needs the faith of his coach and his team-mates, as he said this week that when he gets the ball he plays either to provide an assist or to score. Things are going very well for him and for Roma."

Gervinho signed for Roma last summer from Arsenal.