Gian Piero Gasperini addressed several important Roma topics during the presentation of his new “3-4-3” wine in the hills of Castelnuovo Don Bosco.
Speaking to Sky Sport, the Roma coach discussed Bryan Cristante’s recovery, his relationship with the Friedkin family, the upcoming match against Como, the club’s search for another attacker and the failed attempt to sell Manu Koné.
Gasperini Provides Cristante Injury Update
Cristante has been working to recover from the knee discomfort that kept him away from international duty. Gasperini stressed that Roma will not rush the midfielder back into action.
“He is recovering, but he needs time,” Gasperini explained. “We will not be willing to take any risks. The objective is to recover him in the best possible condition, even if that means he has to miss one or two more matches.”
Cristante is therefore at risk of missing the Serie A trip to Como, while his availability for the subsequent Champions League meeting with Real Madrid also remains uncertain.
Gasperini Wants the Friedkins More Involved at Roma
Gasperini also explained how his relationship with the Friedkin family differs from the one he previously shared with the Percassi family at Atalanta.
“The Percassi family were present every day,” he said. “It was a close relationship that, in certain respects, went beyond work. That does not happen with the Friedkin family, but I always feel their trust and support, even if they come to Rome very rarely.”
“They have now appointed Galantic, who certainly provides a closer connection between Roma and them. My objective remains clear: I want to involve them more—not for me, but for them and for the supporters. Creating a closer relationship ahead of the Centenary is an objective.”
Como Earn Gasperini’s Respect
Roma will resume their season with a difficult trip to face Cesc Fàbregas’ Como. Gasperini believes their opponents deserve to be considered among Serie A’s strongest teams.
“We all appreciate Como’s evolution, both for the quality of their players and the football they play,” Gasperini said. “Como are rightly considered one of the best teams in our league.”
When asked whether Como could challenge for the title, he added: “We all recognize that Inter are the strongest, but Como can compete with everyone else.”
Roma Still Searching for an Attacker
Gasperini acknowledged the difficulty of finding the additional forward Roma were unable to sign during the summer transfer window.
“It is not easy,” he said. “Attackers are always the most sought-after and expensive players on the market. Clubs that have them are unlikely to let them leave because every team is looking for them.”
“We have a good attacking department. We have never played with ten men—we have always covered that position.”
Roma continue to be linked with attacking reinforcements ahead of January, including Endrick, whom Tony D’Amico reportedly considers one of the club’s priority targets.
Gasperini Pleased With Soulé’s Development
Matías Soulé has enjoyed a strong start to the season and recently made his senior debut for Argentina.
“He was extraordinary during the first half of last season as well,” Gasperini said. “Then he suffered from pubalgia. He underwent treatment during the summer, and when he returned, he was understandably overweight because he had been inactive for a long time.”
“His start to the season has been at a high level. Now he has made his debut for Argentina. When Roma players go away with their national teams and play, it is a reward for the entire squad.”
Dybala Has Rediscovered His Happiness
Gasperini also offered an encouraging assessment of Paulo Dybala, who remained at Trigoria during the international break alongside Nahuel Molina.
“Malen needed to recover, while Dybala trained as he has been doing since July,” Gasperini said. “I am very happy for Paulo. He is a player who feels good when he is on the pitch.”
“He was born with the ball at his feet. Having to miss so many matches made him sad. Now he is happy and enthusiastic. These are important achievements.”
On the decision to prevent Dybala and Molina from travelling to Argentina for Lionel Messi’s farewell match, Gasperini explained: “We were too close to an important fixture. It would have meant forcing them to spend many hours on a plane.”
Gasperini Explains Why Roma Could Not Sell Koné
Manu Koné attracted strong interest from Chelsea during the final hours of the summer transfer window, but Roma ultimately retained the French midfielder.
According to Gasperini, there was simply not enough time for the club to approve his departure and find an adequate replacement.
“We could not replace him in such a short period,” he said. “It was not feasible. The transfer window was long, but when you reach the final few hours, there is no longer enough time.”
“These transfers involve many people, so I do not see how an operation of that kind could have been completed. Personally, I am happy. He will have the opportunity—and he is already doing it—to increase his value.”
Gasperini Reflects on His Roma Progress
Looking back on his work in the capital, Gasperini credited the players’ willingness to accept his methods and the support received from the club.
“The first factor was finding a group of players with enormous availability towards me,” he explained. “They came from a strong finish to the previous season and demonstrated the desire and credibility required to pursue a different style of football.”
“Their enthusiasm was fundamental. Then there was the club’s trust and my ability to earn the appreciation of a city that viewed me as an opponent. There was some scepticism. For me, earning the appreciation of Roma’s supporters was a great success.”
Source: Sky Sport
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