“We need to take it match by match. It’s true that these games are all close together but it’s impossible to predict what will happen on the pitch. We’ve gone months with no injuries, but when you start playing in the league and then the Champions League too, a few players are bound to pick up knocks. We just have to hope they’re not serious injuries. You can plan to rest one player or another, but it doesn’t always work that way. What I try to do is if someone is tired, I’ll bring on someone who’s in great form. Some decisions are made with that in mind. We can’t always say that a player has had a bump. But when there are longer-term injuries, there’s not much we can do.”
That was how Gian Piero Gasperini responded to a question about possible lineup changes ahead of Roma’s match against Atalanta at the Olimpico on Saturday. With Roma’s much-anticipated Champions League return coming on Thursday in Turkey, Gasperini has some time between matches that should allow him to avoid heavy rotation.
However, Gasperini could be cautious with two of his most important players: Evan Ndicka and Paulo Dybala. Ndicka was originally listed as a starter last Monday but had to withdraw due to discomfort before kick-off. Meanwhile, Gianluca DiMarzio reported early on Friday that Dybala was dealing with muscular fatigue. That was ruled minor, and Dybala participated fully in training on the eve of the match. Gasperini updated Dybala and Ndicka’s statuses.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. The tests didn’t show anything. He’ll [Dybala] be training today. The important thing is that he feels confident and comfortable because we’ve got three games this week. They’re all important fixtures and we need to be on top form.”
“Ndicka is a lot better. I think he can play. We’ll try him in training today.”
One player that Gasperini did rule out for the time being is Lorenzo Pellegrini as he gets up to match fitness.
“Pellegrini? He’s started to work with the group a bit. As for playing a match, maybe against Inter or after the break.”
He also discussed the roles of two of his youngest players—Rodrigo Mora and Niccolo Pisilli—who have both already found their names on the scoresheet in the first two matches of the season, while also discussing whether or not he has a midfield hierarchy.
“He’s [Mora] played two games in two. Whether he’s in the starting XI or on the bench, it’s not that someone who starts is a starting XI player and someone that gets subbed on is a substitute. It’s true that he’s young but he’s already shown he’s talented in the games against Fiorentina and Lecce. He’s very young and has plenty of room to grow in terms of his physical condition, stamina and endurance. We’re dealing with a player of exceptional quality – that’s hard to deny.”
“Pisilli is well ahead. He’s matured, gained self-awareness, he’s grown and he’s a strong player. I’ve got four players there. I don’t do hierarchies. De Roon, [Leonardo] Balerdi and the new signings need to get into peak condition. They’ll come on for spells, and we’ll probably see them play a full game after the international break because they haven’t been here long. Pisilli, [Manu] Kone and [Bryan] Cristante are solid – there’s no hierarchy there. If someone’s fatigued, then whoever’s in better shape will play, as I said before. Maybe in a month’s time someone else will play more but they’re all part of the game regardless. We’ve got 16 players and there are lots of matches. Don’t make any distinctions between those that start and those who come on because, in the end, you’ll see that playing time will be similar for everyone.”
He also lauded Matías Soulé’s hot start to the season.
“Soule’s groin injury is a distant memory. He’s made an outstanding recovery and he’s doing well.”
Lastly, Gasperini was asked whether we could see one trequartista behind two strikers as he’s played in the past against a four man defense, which would mean Malen and Castro playing together.
“Sure. They’re all versatile players who can adapt to different tactical systems. The more Castro and Mora play, the better they’ll be able to fit into the team but there are no problems with the other players either.”
With five days ahead of the match in Turkey, Gasperini shouldn’t be forced into too many changes from Monday’s match in Lecce. And if Ndicka and Dybala are ready, they should be given the go from the jump. If they’re not deemed fit to start then expect Daniele Ghilardi and Matías Soulé to take their respective spots.
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Koné, Cristante, Wesley; Dybala, Mora; Malen.
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