Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed that new examinations have identified a small lesion for Paulo Dybala, with the Roma forward now expected to need approximately another two weeks to recover.
Speaking at Trigoria ahead of the Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava, the coach also discussed the possibility of pairing Santiago Castro with Donyell Malen, Roma’s midfield options and the development of Emanuele Lulli and Rodrigo Mora.
Dybala Setback as Roma Target Home Victory
The latest update represents a setback after earlier optimism over Dybala’s condition following his withdrawal against Real Madrid.
“Regarding Dybala, we hoped the recovery would be quicker, but the examinations he underwent yesterday revealed a small lesion. I think he will need another couple of weeks.”
Gasperini stressed the importance of beating Slovan as Roma pursue a place in the Champions League knockout-phase playoffs.
“Based on these first years with the new format, the points threshold has always been around 10 points, perhaps 11. Clearly, to do that we have to win our home matches, starting tomorrow.
“That could be enough. Then, away from home, we have the opportunity to pick up more points, even on difficult grounds. The objective is certainly to finish in that bracket.”
“We Will Not Underestimate Slovan”
Despite Roma’s status as favourites, Gasperini warned that the visitors would present a physical and competitive challenge.
“They are certainly a dynamic team, well prepared athletically and with some excellent players. Clearly, within the Champions League they are not among the top-tier clubs, but every match in the Champions League is difficult.
“We will not underestimate our opponents. We need to win to strengthen our chances of progressing.”
Castro and Malen Could Play Together
Castro’s spectacular goal against Genoa has renewed interest in a potential partnership with Malen. Gasperini left that possibility open, while making clear he sees no reason to overhaul an attack already producing goals.
“Castro scored a great goal the other night. In terms of its characteristics, this is a match in which they could play together. I don’t know whether from the start; perhaps during the game.
“I don’t want to alter the shape and patterns of a team that is creating and scoring so much just for the desire to see two players together. We have an attacking unit that works, with different characteristics, so for now that is fine. I don’t need to look for other solutions.
“But it could happen. It is the kind of match that could lend itself to that.”
Pellegrini an Option in Midfield
With Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante unavailable, Gasperini confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini could operate in a deeper role alongside Roma’s remaining midfield options.
Asked about using Mario Hermoso there, as he had during the summer, the coach explained why the circumstances were different.
“At that point in the summer, we were in an even greater emergency: neither De Roon nor Pellegrini was there. I hope not; I hope Hermoso stays where he is.
“At the moment, we have Pisilli and De Roon. De Roon, in particular, has played three matches in a week. Pellegrini can be used, as always, in a more attacking role or in a deeper position, while we wait for Cristante, who we hope can return to the pitch at Napoli, or at least be available.”
Squad Concerns Are About Numbers, Not Trust
Roma’s victory over Genoa demonstrated the contribution of players who had previously received fewer minutes. Gasperini insisted that his calls for greater depth should not be interpreted as doubts about their ability.
“I have never had doubts about the players I have. The issue is purely numerical and down to the packed schedule.
“The players here have had so much trust from me that on Saturday, beyond those unavailable, I left out some others and gave opportunities to players who had played less, convinced we could still get a result. And getting a result in Serie A is always difficult.”
Lulli’s Physical Qualities Stand Out
Fresh from his first Serie A goal and Player of the Match performance against Genoa, Lulli earned further praise from his coach.
“I had actually already noticed Lulli last year and brought him into the first team many times. He has high-level attributes. It always catches your attention when someone has an above-average quality, and his speed and ability to sustain that speed have always been outstanding compared with the average, even in Serie A.
“Lulli is a very humble lad who wants to grow and improve. He will work on the technical and tactical aspects; he is very young. He has a thousand things to work on and develop, but he also has a couple of above-average qualities, and we have to build on them.”
“Mora Is Already Part of the Rotation”
Gasperini also rejected the suggestion that Mora was still waiting to establish himself within Roma’s options.
“Mora is an important player. He will not enter the rotation: he is already in the rotation. When available, he has always played.
“He has a particular physique in the sense that he is still quite slight, but he is very young and has talent you can see immediately. We need to help him develop. Unlike some others, he still needs to build himself up physically because technically he is at a very high level.”
The coach was similarly positive about Pierluigi Gollini, who has stepped in during Mile Svilar’s absence.
“Gollini has always been an excellent goalkeeper. Eight or nine years ago, we had important seasons together, qualifying for and playing in the Champions League together.
“Perhaps what he lacked at that point in his career, understandably, was a little maturity, which he has now gained as he has grown older. He has always had excellent ability. Perhaps he did not have the desire to improve that he has now.
“He had already shown that he was an excellent goalkeeper, and he is showing it again now.”
Source: Gian Piero Gasperini’s pre-match press conference.
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