“The midfield and defense are very similar in every game. The defense is the same, the midfield is the same, and the wingers are the same. Cristante is the one who’s played the most. We’ve varied the attack
the most. Our squad is very strong numerically. We’re looking for solutions in attack. At the start, I didn’t have Dybala and Bailey, but now that they’re back, we have more options. Soulé, on the other hand, has always played. One of my goals is to give continuity to the core of the team. We need results. I don t really want to rotate. On the pitch, things are different. I don’t like making five substitutions because I’m no longer in a decline, but now I’ve adapted. The games were better before.”
Continuity—that was how Gian Piero Gasperini described what he would like to achieve with his squad. For the most part, we’ve seen continuity with players like Cristante, Soulé, Mancini, and Ndicka. However, due to the busy schedule over the past few weeks, we’ve also seen plenty of rotation and the use of all five substitutes in most matches. That being said, since this is an away game against a fellow top 4 contender, we should get a good idea of who Gasperini considers his core players, except for the still-injured Angeliño.
Angeliño’s absence will again result in Wesley shifting to the left, and Zeki Çelik moving to the wing from the back three instead of playing Kostas Tsimikas or Devyne Rensch in place of the Spaniard. This will create space for Mario Hermoso along the backline with Mancini and Ndicka.
Gasperini was asked about some of his attacking options for this one and responded with this:
“Dovbyk is fine. His goal the other night was a great one. He’s showing good signs. Ferguson has this ankle problem that will keep him out for weeks. We pushed Bailey a bit. He’s coming off several months of inactivity and is still struggling to recover. But it’s just a question of fitness.”
However, neither Dovbyk or Bailey is expected to start. That means it’ll be the Argentine duo of Paulo Dybala and Soulé that will be relied on to put pressure on Mike Maignan and Milan’s backline. Gasperini addressed questions about both of them as well.
“He [Dybala] has all the qualities. He’s also strong in terms of endurance and physical stamina, otherwise you can’t achieve important goals. Consistency is dictated by the absence of injuries. He’s also training very well, and now he’s overcome his psychological difficulties as well. He can shoot even harder. It will be an important season for him; he needs consistency. He must want to have a season like he had a few years ago.”
“He’s [Soulé] doing well and is playing the most. He gives a lot of energy throughout the game, which is why he comes off the pitch. His performances are always top-notch. I’m
happy with him.”
With just that pairing up front, Roma will be in more of a 3-5-2 formation, as Gasperini seemed to rule out Cristante pushing higher up the pitch.
“I don’t know if we’ll play with a different attacking trio. Modric is an extraordinary player and can’t be easily limited, but we need to focus on our own style of play.”
And Neil El-Aynaoui could be the beneficiary who’s given the starting nod with Cristante and Manu Koné in the midfield trio.
“El Aynaoui is improving. The ones coming from outside need more time, but he’s playing well now. Our threat level is increasing, and many different players have scored, so there’s a sign of unity. This also applies to the midfielders. Of course, a team that scores more leads to more goals.”
Probable Formation
ROMA (3-5-2): Svilar; Hermoso, Mancini, Ndicka; Çelik, El Aynaoui, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala.
