Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed that Manu Koné is unlikely to return before the international break, while offering more encouraging updates on Paulo Dybala and Mile Svilar.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of Roma’s match against Cagliari, the coach discussed his squad’s response to injuries, the dramatic draw at Napoli and Matías Soulé’s development. He also addressed Massimiliano Allegri’s reported comments following Saturday’s match.
Dybala could return to the bench against Cagliari
Dybala’s availability remains subject to a final assessment, but Gasperini expressed optimism about including the Argentine among his substitutes.
“Dybala? We’ll see this afternoon whether we can take him onto the bench. That would already be positive, and I’m quite confident.
“As for rotation, today is our first training session, but it’s already the eve of the match. I’ll decide today. Probably yes, there are always some changes. We’ll also see based on our assessment of the opposition. We have a squad that can rotate very well during matches too.”
Koné setback, but Svilar could return for Manchester United
The outlook was less encouraging for Koné, with Gasperini indicating that the midfielder’s absence could extend until the international break.
Svilar, however, could be available for the trip to Manchester United or the subsequent match against Sassuolo.
“Koné is unlikely to return before the break. Svilar, on the other hand, could return this week and could be recovered next week. Having him back for Manchester would be ideal, or for the final match against Sassuolo.”
Gasperini praised Roma’s ability to continue collecting results despite several important absences.
“At the moment, we’ve been through a period with Svilar, Cristante, Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini out. All things considered, we’re holding up and getting results.
“It’s better when you have everyone available. Then, over the course of the season, other teams also lose players, and that’s because we play every three days. You might lose some players and get others back.”
“Roma came out of these matches very well”
Asked what Roma still need to win the biggest matches, Gasperini highlighted the importance of finishing and judging performances over the full 90 minutes.
“These are matches where the quality of finishing makes the difference. Against Napoli, we found ourselves 2–0 down, fought back and had the confidence that we could win it. Then we fell behind again and equalised.
“Over 90 minutes, these kinds of matches can take different turns, largely because of the ability of individual players. We have to assess the full 90 minutes. It’s true that we had some difficulties, but I think Roma came out of it very well.”
The coach also distinguished between avoidable mistakes and moments of exceptional quality from opponents.
“The attitude is always very positive. The goals are all different. Against Real Madrid, we were more at fault than, for example, for Anguissa’s goal. There wasn’t something wrong there. You have to analyse the situations.
“Of course, sometimes we make technical mistakes, but the approach is always very positive. We haven’t conceded many goals from set pieces, apart from in a few matches.
“Scoring twice against Inter, three against Real and three against Napoli — these are matches involving great players, and the conversion rate is higher.”
Why Gasperini changes his defenders
Following Leonardo Balerdi’s decisive contribution at Napoli, Gasperini explained how defensive substitutions can offer both protection and an additional attacking threat.
“Changes involving defenders? With five substitutions, which really is a lot, you can end up changing defenders. Opponents bring on strong, fresh players, so a defensive change makes sense too, as happened with Hermoso against Real.
“It’s also true that our defenders currently have an attacking instinct and score goals. They’re particularly effective in the air.
“That’s also part of finding solutions during a match, because they’re stronger in the air than some of the others.”
Soulé’s Napoli performance was “extraordinary”
Gasperini reserved particular praise for Soulé, while stressing that the 23-year-old still has considerable room to develop.
“This year, Soulé has picked up where he left off in the first half of last season. His performance against Napoli was extraordinary, but the others have been at a high level too.
“Sometimes people forget he’s 23. At 23, a player still has room to mature. This year, playing in several roles, he’s also scored as an attacking midfielder. He’s becoming a player who is gaining confidence in his game.
“There are other things we think he can improve. He works very well to keep developing.”
Lulli deserves his new contract
Asked why Emanuele Lulli had not featured against the biggest opponents, Gasperini insisted there was no particular significance to those selection decisions.
“Lulli hasn’t played against the big teams? It’s just how situations have worked out. We have four players there who are doing very well. It’s coincidence.
“His renewal? I’m happy for him. He deserves it. Everyone’s objective is to improve individually, because that can make the team even stronger.”
“An environment that pushes us to be brave”
Gasperini believes Roma have established a consistent identity, but sees continued improvement as an open-ended objective.
“Our objective is always to improve. There’s never a limit to that. We’ve certainly established a way of playing that we’ve maintained over time and that brings us results, so we’ll continue approaching matches this way.
“The whole squad is growing, as are many players individually. Above all, there’s an environment that pushes us to be brave, proactive and to face every match, even the most difficult ones, with confidence that we can play our part well.”
Gasperini responds to Allegri’s reported remarks
Finally, Gasperini was asked about Allegri’s reported comments after the Napoli draw. He made clear that he had not personally heard the remarks, before delivering his response.
“Allegri’s words? I didn’t hear them. You reported them afterwards, so presumably that’s how it was.
“There are the numbers, the accounts and the data — ours and those of the other teams. I haven’t read a comment supporting that observation, which seems really unfortunate to me. There’s no need for me to add anything else.”
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