“The lads are doing well, except for [Mario] Hermoso, who is injured. Then there are the other players with their ailments who you already know about, and the obvious absences of the two new signings. Otherwise, I’d say that the squad is in good shape physically. Obviously tomorrow’s match is quickly followed by a game on Sunday against Milan, which on paper is a more demanding fixture. We’re in a good position in the Europa League, and we know that we have a good chance of avoiding the playoffs.
At the same time, it’s clear that given the results during the last Serie A matchday the league is the competition we’re focusing most on right now.”
Those were the injury updates from Gian Piero Gasperini during his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match against German side Stuttgart at the Olimpico. Based on that, we can surmise that, in addition to Hermoso, Artem Dovbyk, Angelino, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Tommaso Baldanzi will miss out through injury. Additionally, as we discussed on this week’s podcast, January signings can only be added to the European competition roster after the league phase is completed. That means both Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz are ineligible to play tomorrow against Stuttgart and next week against Panathinaikos.
Luckily for Roma, Gasperini confirmed that Evan Ferguson is fit enough to be called up for the match, so the Giallorossi will have a traditional striker fit for the match if Gasperini chooses to go in that direction–something he seems to be leaning toward with his response when asked about the Irishman.
“He’s recovered from the serious bruise he suffered in our last home game, so he’ll be available tomorrow. He’s currently a Roma player, and every opportunity he gets is a chance for him to perform well. He’s been showing positive signs lately and has even scored a couple of important goals. Tomorrow I expect a performance in line with his recent ones.”
With Ferguson slated to start, it appears Dybala may be rested for Sunday’s match against Milan, with Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matias Soule supporting Ferguson. Another key player who could be afforded a surprise rest is Evan Ndicka. With Hermoso injured, an Ndicka start seemed like a given. However, multiple publications in Italy project a defense composed of Mancini, Ghilardi, and Ziolkowski.
In midfield, it seems Pisilli might get the opportunity to start alongside Manu Kone. Gasperini mentioned Pisilli when asked about some of Roma’s younger players during his press conference.
“What I think and what I’d like to develop here at Roma – and I hope it’ll be possible – is to establish a strong core of 15 or 16 highly competitive players. I’m after a group that, even with substitutions, means we suffer as little as possible. Based on this, the idea is to develop other young players, like those mentioned. I want these players to supplement and strengthen what I see as the core of a team that wants to play in cup competitions, be protagonists and to really compete. The development of young players isn’t linear and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and exclusively through performances, nothing else. This principle allows for the club’s continuous and also sustainable growth, because when you have players who are developing and ready to fill in for other players you aren’t forced to make expensive signings. Or, if you do, you can be more restrained.
“This is the approach we’re trying to pursue. When I became coach I was faced with a reality of a team with few players who were truly willing, many whose contracts were expiring and many who were on loan. It takes a bit of time, but that’s the aim. Only then can we talk about Champions League qualification or winning a cup. Without these foundations nothing can be done, because one bad month is enough to jeopardise everything. Pisilli is the prototype and the best example – he comes from the youth academy, and it would be ideal to have a youth system capable of producing players for the first team.
“He’s improved since the start of the season, especially in his attitude on the pitch. It’s not always necessary to send a young player out on loan, as there’s a risk they won’t play or they may face other issues. If a player can develop at Roma then I see that as the best option. The time will come for Pisilli or for the others that someone may have to leave, but the aim is for him to become as valuable as [Manu] Kone, [Bryan] Cristante and the other players. Pisilli is the perfect prototype – he needs to gain experience here, he needs improve here. I hope that happens.”
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Ghilardi, Ziolkowski, Mancini; Wesley, Kone, Pisilli, Celik; Pellegrini, Soule; Ferguson.
