Roma coach focuses on Europa League clash while confirming Hermoso is ready and avoiding talk about Pellegrini’s contract
Gian Piero Gasperini says AS Roma will not prioritize competitions as they prepare for a crucial UEFA Europa League match against Bologna FC 1909.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, the Roma manager stressed that the team must approach every fixture with the same mindset.
“Every match is extremely important,” Gasperini said. “Tomorrow for the Europa League and Sunday for the league. We cannot make calculations — and we won’t.”
Hermoso Available for Selection
Roma could welcome back defender Mario Hermoso, who has returned to the squad after recovering from injury.
“We’ll evaluate tomorrow,” Gasperini said. “If he’s been called up, it means he’s available to play. It could be from the start or maybe later in the match.”
His return would offer a valuable defensive option for a Roma side dealing with several absences in other areas of the squad.
Focus on the Pitch, Not Contracts
Gasperini also dismissed questions about the future of captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose contract situation has recently become a topic of discussion.
“This is not something we should talk about right now,” the coach said.
Roma are entering a decisive stretch of the season, balancing both domestic and European commitments.
“This is a very important moment in the league and in the Europa League,” Gasperini added. “Our attention — mine and his — must be focused only on performances and matches.”
Attacking Options Limited by Injuries
Roma continue to deal with a significant injury crisis in attack.
The team has been without several key players compared to earlier in the season, including:
- Paulo Dybala
- Artem Dovbyk
- Evan Ferguson
- Matías Soulé
The January arrival of Donyell Malen has helped compensate for those losses.
“Malen has given us extra danger in attack,” Gasperini said. “Our scoring numbers have improved since his arrival.”
However, the coach acknowledged that integrating new players mid-season can take time.
Zaragoza Still Adapting
Gasperini also addressed the progress of winger Bryan Zaragoza, who joined the team in the winter transfer window.
“He arrived less than a month ago and has already played in several matches,” the coach said.
According to Gasperini, it’s normal for players arriving in January to need additional time to adapt physically and tactically.
“He already provided an excellent assist recently,” he added. “I’m confident he can have a positive impact in the coming games.”
A Broader Concern for Italian Football
The Roma coach also reflected on the broader struggles of Italian clubs in European competitions.
“In recent years Italian teams have had difficulties,” Gasperini said. “The Champions League has been missing for a long time and even the Europa League hasn’t been won since the 1990s.”
He suggested that the issue goes beyond tactics or coaching decisions.
“It’s a deeper problem,” he explained. “It may involve youth development, how squads are built, and other structural factors.”
Managing the Attack in an Emergency
With Roma short on experienced forwards, Gasperini admitted the squad is currently navigating an attacking emergency.
Young players have been called upon to fill the gaps while Malen carries much of the offensive responsibility.
“In attack we’ve been dealing with this situation for some time,” he said. “We’re trying to manage our resources as best as possible.”
Still, Gasperini remains confident in the team’s mentality.
“As I always say,” he concluded, “rest is only at night.”
