“[Evan] Ndicka is still here. He’ll be there tomorrow. The rest we’ll see about in the next few matches. Regarding [Neil] El Aynaoui, Morocco have appealed to FIFA, so we’re waiting for them. This is a league
matchday, and the teams that played on Saturday and Sunday were able to use players involved in the Africa Cup of Nations. Those of us playing on Monday have been asked not to use them, even though it’s the same matchday. We’re awaiting FIFA’s decision.”
That was the latest update from Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of Roma’s big match with Como on Monday. The confirmation of Ndicka gives the Roma defense a big boost, especially with Zeki Çelik suspended after last Sunday’s red card. Having Ndicka means that Gasperini can deploy his veteran trio of Gianluca Mancini, Mario Hermoso, and Ndicka as the Giallorossi try to contain the dangerous Nico Paz.
With Çelik out and Angeliño just returning to full training over the last week, it’s likely that Devyne Rensch and Wesley will be deployed at the wing-back positions. Meanwhile, the uncertainty around Neil El Aynaoui should mean we see Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné in the center of the park.
Evan Ferguson, fresh off a Europa League brace, is expected to start again at striker. Gasperini was asked whether Ferguson is now a “Gasperini player”. Here’s how the CT responded.
“He doesn’t need to be a Gasperini player, he needs to be a Roma player. That’s the most important thing. Is he useful for Roma? The other evening, he definitely was. That goes for the others too. Are they here to play at a certain level to reach certain goals? That’s always the point, or the way the coach plays. Roma is above everything, above everyone. When players are useful to the team, they have to play.”
The one question mark outside of the AFCON players is as to whether Lorenzo Pellegrini or Paulo Dybala will partner Matías Soulé. Gasperini was asked about Dybala’s fitness heading into this one.
“We’ll see in training today. It’s been positive recently, but like all key players, he has to be on top form because modern football doesn’t allow for any weaknesses, whether physical, mental, or motivational. You can see that in his performances on the pitch, in training and in matches. There’s no doubt when he’s on top form.”
The reporter then followed up with a questions regarding his role and if he can play a role to Luis Muriel in his time at Atalanta.
“I hope he can do even more than that, but it depends on him, not on me or other factors. For me, it’s always what happens on the pitch that counts. That’s what provides results. When he’s been fit, he’s always played, even full matches and several games in a row. It’s always the same issue. There’s no point looking for other explanations.”
As for tomorrow’s match, the main publications seem to be split on which of the two starts. We’ll tip Dybala, as Roma will have to breakdown a stubborn Como defense—albeit one that was humbled by Inter last weekend.
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini,. Ndicka, Hermoso; Wesley, Konè, Cristante, Rensch; Soulè, Dybala; Ferguson.
