Probable Formation: Roma vs Torino

“Absolutely. That’s the core group, and it’s crucial. Then, the hierarchy can change during the season and in matches, but everyone has to be ready. Some have just arrived, there are players who have just had their first training sessions, and some have been here for two months; that’s normal. I don’t have any preconceptions about anyone, but I don’t give anything away. You play with 11 men plus five, then there are training sessions and lots of matches between the league and the cups, but you have to earn

the opportunity to play. Those who are further ahead have to defend that opportunity, but no one is left out.”

That was how Gian Piero Gasperini spoke about his player choices during his pre-match press conference today. As Gasperini made clear, he has a hierarchy and others will have to prove to be deserving of key minutes for his ambitious Roma side that is looking to build on back-to-back 1-0 wins to start the season when Torino comes to town for the Sunday lunchtime kick-off in Rome.

One of the players who will need to demonstrate his ability to adapt to Gasperini’s tactics and become an asset for the Italian manager is former captain Lorenzo Pellegrini. Gasperini was asked about Pellegrini during his press conference and had positive comments to share.

“Pellegrini ultimately stayed, and that’s fine with me: an extra player and undoubtedly a player with significant qualities. He’s returned to training with a bit more intensity, but he’s clearly not in the same condition as the other players who have been here for two months. But he’ll be available. We absolutely need to rev his engine because his quality is unquestionable, but football is a combination of many elements. I believe he’ll have every opportunity to become very useful to us during the season. His role is midfield. He’s a quality player, I think that after Dybala, in terms of footwork, he’s absolutely the best, so for me a midfielder should play in midfield.”

Pellegrini won’t start this one in the midfield—Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné will— but he is available off the bench. So, it’ll be interesting to see if Gasperini gives him his first action of the season.

Another player who missed time at the end of last season and is working back to fitness is Paulo Dybala. The Argentine made a significant impact off the bench against Pisa and might be ready to make his first start in this game—though don’t expect a full 90 minutes from Roma’s talisman.

“Dybala is fine, he’s definitely improving. We already saw in Pisa that when he came on in the second half, he played a very good 45 minutes. I don’t know if he’s got 90 minutes, but he’s definitely in good form.”

Dybala is expected to form the attacking trident with Evan Ferguson and Matías Soulé after the trio connected on a magnificent match-winning goal in Tuscany last match.

The starting XI has a question mark at right wing-back after Wesley came back with some concerns after playing for Brazil. Luckily, his woes were deemed fatigue, not any kind of muscle injury. Gasperini said he’s back to full training, and a decision will be made later today on his status. If Gasperini plays it safe, then Devyne Rensch would get the start in his place.

There aren’t expected to be any surprises along the rest of the starting XI with Mile Svilar in goal, Mancini-Ndicka-Hermoso forming the backline, and Angeliño patrolling the left flank.