Lorenzo Pellegrini is finally approaching his return to action with Roma, 184 days after making his last competitive appearance.
The midfielder has completed five weeks of uninterrupted work at Trigoria and is now fully recovered from the physical problem that has kept him out since April 10.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Gian Piero Gasperini is considering starting Pellegrini when Roma visit Como on October 11.
Pellegrini Could Play for Approximately 60 Minutes
Pellegrini currently has enough fitness to play for approximately one hour.
That could allow Gasperini to include him in the starting lineup before introducing a fresher option during the second half.
The international break has given Pellegrini an important advantage over several of his competitors. While Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora have been away with their respective national teams, the 30-year-old has remained in Rome and worked consistently with Gasperini’s staff.
His progress has placed him firmly in contention for a starting role at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
Gasperini Considers New Attacking Role
One tactical possibility would see Roma adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Pellegrini operating as the central attacking midfielder behind Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen.
From that position, Pellegrini could provide creativity between the lines, supply the two forwards and drop deeper to give Roma greater numbers in midfield.
His work without the ball could also become important. Gasperini wants Roma to press Como’s initial buildup aggressively, and Pellegrini’s understanding of when to close down opponents could help disrupt Cesc Fabregas’ possession-based system.
The alternative would be using him from the bench, allowing him to enter once the game becomes more open. A final decision will depend on his condition during the final week of training.
Pellegrini Remains a Roma Leader Without Armband
Pellegrini no longer automatically wears the captain’s armband, with Gasperini choosing to assign it according to the number of Roma appearances held by the players on the pitch.
His importance inside the dressing room, however, has not diminished.
“At Trigoria, he remains the captain even without the armband,” Corriere dello Sport reports, highlighting the leadership role he continued to perform throughout his rehabilitation.
His commitment to Roma was reinforced by the contract extension announced on August 8. Pellegrini rejected opportunities in Italy and abroad to remain with his boyhood club, with Gasperini, the directors and his teammates all supporting the renewal.
The midfielder ended last season with seven goals and four assists despite his physical problems. He must now earn his place in a more competitive attack, but his quality and experience could become especially valuable during Roma’s congested October schedule.
Pellegrini recently summarized his new outlook on social media: “True happiness is being at peace with the people around you.”
After six months away from competitive football, he is now ready to reclaim his place on the pitch.
Source: Corriere dello Sport
Leave a Reply