Gian Piero Gasperini, speaking to DAZN after Roma-Fiorentina (4-0), praised Rodrigo Mora: “We’re dealing with an extraordinary talent. At 19, he played two seasons, even winning with Porto. Two years ago, he scored 10 goals. He’s a growing player, the personality he showed tonight… Afterwards, he had a physical decline, and that’s normal. Every time he touches the ball, something beautiful happens.”
For the Grugliasco-born coach, the Portuguese attacking midfielder can play in multiple positions on the pitch: “Given his characteristics, he’s stamina and has top-notch athleticism. He’s versatile; he can play on the right or left. He’s got football and talent. It’s normal that there’s work to be done. He’s only had five training sessions, but he’ll give us great satisfaction.”
The Roma coach emphasized the team’s attitude: “The mentality of this group. These guys started right away like last season. We bring more knowledge with us, and the attitude is always extraordinary. There are guys who have done everything to play for Roma, from Dybala to Cristante and Hermoso. Even the new players, including Mora and the other guys. They strongly feel the beauty of this environment, where they want to express themselves.”
Gian Piero Gasperini highlighted Dybala’s importance in making the leap in quality: “Absolutely. First of all, at 32, he’s at the peak of his physical and technical maturity: he may be less quick, but not much less (laughs). He’s among the top players, if not the top, in our league. Last year he was very unlucky; he got injured taking a penalty and a free kick. He’s had a top-notch preparation, proving he’s not just a muscle-bound player. I took him off because we have some top players, but he can play even extra time; he’s always one of the freshest.”
The Grugliasco coach would like further reinforcements to complete the squad: “The good thing is that we’re putting the right players in the right places, even targeting players like Koulierakis or Molina, who has a very important past. Castro and Mora, but we haven’t completed the squad yet. It’s absolutely essential to have a few extra players to face the season: playing in the league, the Champions League, and the Coppa Italia. There’s a risk of losing some players in the same period, and we’ll be in trouble.”
