After their league win against Torino, Roma is preparing for another match.
Tomorrow, at 9:00 PM, the Stadio Olimpico will be decked out in yellow and red for the Europa League match against Stuttgart.
Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to journalists at a pre-match press conference, along with Niccolò Pisilli.
On managing the match against Stuttgart and the match against AC Milan scheduled for a few days later: “The team is doing well, except for Hermoso, who is injured. The team is going through a good period, and tomorrow’s match is close to the one against AC Milan. The match against the Rossoneri will be a game we’ll be paying close attention to. We’re doing well in the Europa League, but given Sunday’s results, we’ll be focusing more on the league.”
Roma’s mentality has always been on point, and the Giallorossi coach has consistently emphasized this: “Roma immediately stood out for this type of mentality. I found a group that wanted to do well right from the start. I hope we can improve the quality of the game going forward.”
On Dybala: “I think he’s always done very well, not just now. I think about the match against Milan; he showed he’s a player of another class. He’s lost some pace, but with the support of his teammates, he can be decisive.”
Roma came close to qualifying for the Europa League a few years ago.
Regarding the importance of this competition, Gasp said: “I’m not focusing on winning the trophy. Before Atalanta, the last Europa League was won in the 1990s. You can’t say that winning alone is rewarding; it’s difficult and you risk being disappointed. Winning in Italy is difficult; if that’s the yardstick, then it’s a problem. We need to focus on growing and improving. When you know you’re strong, then perhaps you can think about winning something.”
On fourth place: “We’ve always played to give our best. At the start of the season, we had to understand our true potential. After 21 games, we’ve earned it. Como, Bologna, and Atalanta are also aiming for those positions; I’m happy we have a point advantage. We’ll do everything we can to defend our position and improve it.”
On Bailey, who has returned to Aston Villa: “Unfortunately for him and for us, his experience has been negative, partly due to injuries. We thought he could add value. His injuries have led to this decision, as he’s on loan. This undoubtedly opens up a window of opportunity; I don’t know what could happen.”
On Ferguson’s condition and his future: “He’s definitely a player who has recovered from his injury and will be available tomorrow. Right now, he’s a Roma player; every opportunity is a good one for him. He’s been playing well lately, scoring important goals.”
On away matches being banned for fans: “This is the eternal problem: thousands are penalized for the sake of a few people. Nobody wants these situations; they’re not part of sport and football. When we go away, there’s a lot of passion, and that’s a positive thing for us. It’s a huge disappointment. I don’t know if it’s the best punishment; for me, it’s not.”
Finally, he spoke about the youth team: “Here, I’d like to develop a strong core of 15 or 16 players, and have young players develop behind them. Their growth should be assessed only on the pitch; you can then grow from there. That way, you wouldn’t need to enter the transfer market and spend exorbitant amounts, or do it in a targeted manner. That’s the main objective, then we’ll talk about the Champions League, trophies… Pisilli is the best example: he comes from the youth sector. He’s grown from the start, and you don’t need to go around to do that. The time will come when he’ll reach the level of the best in his position, and everyone must follow the same path. Maybe some players will be replaced along the way, but this must be the path we follow.”
