“Last time we were missing a few players, especially in defence. We played well though, and Juventus did too. It was in the balance till the end and at one stage we hoped we could get a result. This match is going to come down to individual moments. It’s true that since the end of December we’ve had a very difficult January because of injuries: we’ve often found ourselves down to the bare bones. We’ve been blowing a bit hot and cold, with some wins and some defeats. Now we’re going into a period
when we need to be consistent and try to put together a run of wins. This is the time when you can pull clear of your rivals and that’s what we must try to do.”
Gasperini emphasized the importance of key moments that can significantly influence matches like this one. And unfortunately, the Roma CT ruled out one of Roma’s biggest difference-makers, Matías Soulé, and didn’t sound optimistic about another, Paulo Dybala.
“With Soule we’re taking things as they come. Not this week, but hopefully he’ll be better next week and able to rejoin the squad so that he can at least start training again regularly.”
“We’ll see about Dybala today. He’s much better than he was yesterday but we still need to assess whether or not he’s able to play. We’ll have a look later.”
With Dybala’s status up in the air—and likely a bench spot if he is available—and the continued absence of Soulé, it seems the most logical direction for Gasperini to take in attack is Donyell Malen, supported by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Zaragoza. However, Gazzetta dello Sport also gives Niccolo Pisilli a chance to start in that position, with Zaragoza a slight favorite.
Gasperini was asked about the possibility of deploying a four man defense from the start after Roma moved to that look in the course of last week’s match. And it’s something Gasperini seemed open to from the start of this match.
“Everything is possible. Being able to use it during the match – and not just in training – is an extra reassurance. Having used it and done well gives you experience, so you can easily switch between the two. The players too see that certain situations have been tried and worked. Of course a lot depends on the match, the opponents and the players we have available. At the moment we have lots of midfielders who are doing well and perhaps fewer wide options. But they’re all experiences that will come in handy going into the business end of the season.”
In spite of that, it seems more likely that Gasperini will start with the three man backline that has been the backbone of Roma’s success this season. And with Mario Hermoso again ruled out, it’ll be the trio of Gianluca Mancini, Evan Ndicka, and Daniele Ghilardi tasked with shutting down the Juve attack.
In the center of the park, it’s expected that Bryan Cristante and Manu Koné start again. Meanwhile, Zeki Çelik and Wesley will be deployed in the wide positions.
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Ghilardi; Çelik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Zaragoza, Pellegrini; Malen.
