Tomorrow, September 14th, Roma will return to the field away to face Ignazio Abate’s Torino.
Gian Piero Gasperini spoke at a press conference on the eve of the match, presenting the game’s challenges and lineup decisions.
The Giallorossi coach commented on Donyell Malen’s current form: “Malen’s numbers are above average, with consistency. They’re significant, especially given the way they’ve been achieved. When I signed him, I knew it would be important, but we went further.”
Regarding Mora, the coach said: “Mora is a very talented player; he needs to be completed primarily physically but also tactically. From what he’s shown, he’s a top-class young player.”
Gasp then repeatedly reiterated that there is no hierarchy: “Let’s avoid talking about hierarchy; it’s disrespectful to the players. All the players are making an important contribution. Balerdi is a player who has done remarkable things at Marseille; he’s not a kid. In a team that’s playing in the Champions League, there are no failures or promotions; everyone is useful. The same goes for Castro: he’s an important player. I’m happy he’s here. I continue to be free of this mentality of promotions and failures. Everyone is doing well.”
Regarding his commitments, he added: “You always need to have a solid group; you need great faith in all the members. Those who are here satisfy all of us; we trust them. We’re navigating the various fixtures on sight, and it will be the same after the break, when the games will be very close. When a player is doing well, I think he’ll go forward; I’ll substitute him when I see him tired.”
Gasperini then came to De Roon’s defense: “De Roon has brought Bergamo to the top for many years, now he’s here with us, and that’s a blessing for us. Unfortunately, it wasn’t his choice to leave Atalanta. I’m happy he’s here. Regarding the Nerazzurri fans’ banner, I’d say that De Roon isn’t just a small flag, but a banner that extends across the entire stadium for them. The Dutchman will be important for us; we have four players in midfield, and they’re all important to us.”
Regarding Dybala, the coach said: “If he’s fit, he always plays, there’s no doubt about it. We don’t have a crystal ball; those who are fit play. It’s not easy, but we have to take advantage of everyone’s favorable moments. Every match is tough.”
The coach commented on the match against Torino: “It will be difficult against Torino too; we’ll face a determined team. Tomorrow we’ll need a great match, we’ll need a team at their best. We’ll always have to forget about the previous match and think only about the next ones.”
Gasperini then addressed the injury situation: “I’ll also call up Pellegrini tomorrow; perhaps for the first time, we’ll all be there. We need to evaluate Lulli, but we need everyone for a tough match. I’ll try Koné today; he could be there too.”
The coach commented on one of the major flaws of this start to the season, the lack of concentration in the second half: “We need to avoid conceding goals early in the second half. We played good games, but we conceded those goals in the second half. The important thing is not to concede them.”
Gasperini made it clear, once and for all, that all the players will be useful tomorrow and throughout the season: “Koulierakis is fine, I’m happy with what he’s doing. Tomorrow, too, we’ll play with 16 men; unfortunately, four more won’t play.”
He then focused on Wesley and Molina, who appeared to be struggling: “We have to expect the best from both Wesley and Molina. The Brazilian took a knock that affected him. These are healthy guys who recover quickly. I see Molina improving. The others have had more time.”
The coach concluded by praising the group: “I’m very satisfied with the way the group trains and approaches each match. They always have the right mentality, both technically and physically. People appreciate it, but then there are the matches that are very difficult. This championship will be very difficult; those who win the cups have the added burden of having to constantly reset every result. A hellish pace.”
