Injury updates, contract uncertainty, and Champions League ambitions—Roma’s coach shuts out the noise and focuses on a decisive final stretch.
With just seven games left in the Serie A season, Gian Piero Gasperini made one thing clear ahead of Roma’s matchup against Pisa: there’s no time for distractions.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the fixture, the Roma manager addressed everything from injury concerns to transfer speculation—but consistently brought the focus back to the immediate challenge.
Roma, still chasing a top-four finish, enter a crucial phase of the season where every point could define their campaign.
Injury Situation Improving, But Season Took Its Toll
There’s finally some positive news on the injury front. Gasperini expects Gianluca Mancini to return as early as next week, while Wesley could also be back soon. Paulo Dybala is progressing well, though his timeline remains less certain—likely another one to two weeks.
Still, the coach didn’t hide how much injuries have impacted Roma’s season.
Since late December, the Giallorossi have been dealing with long-term absences rather than short setbacks. Players like Evan Ferguson, Artem Dovbyk, Dybala, and Matías Soulé have all missed extended periods, disrupting continuity.
Gasperini pointed out that short injuries are part of the modern game, especially with packed schedules. What hurt Roma most was the length of those absences—not necessarily the number.
No Talk of the Future—Only Results Matter
Despite ongoing speculation about expiring contracts and uncertain futures within the squad, Gasperini dismissed any notion of looking beyond the present.
Eight players are either nearing the end of their contracts or currently on loan, but the manager insists that’s not the focus right now.
Instead, he emphasized the team’s mentality and accountability—especially after a heavy 5-2 loss in Milan, where Roma collapsed in the second half.
That kind of emotional drop, Gasperini said, is unacceptable.
He praised his players’ professionalism and commitment throughout the season, making it clear that one bad result doesn’t change his overall evaluation of the group.
Pisa a Trap Game Roma Can’t Afford to Misjudge
Even though Pisa are struggling near the bottom of the table, Gasperini warned against underestimating them.
Serie A rarely offers easy matches, and Roma—short on margin for error—must treat this game as a must-win.
Victory could allow them to close the gap on teams above them, depending on other results. But slipping up now could prove costly.
Squad Depth and Selection: “Everyone Has Played”
Questions about fringe players like Neil El Aynaoui, Ghilardi, Zaragoza, and Vaz prompted a firm response from Gasperini.
According to him, this isn’t a case of players being overlooked—everyone has had opportunities. Some have even played more minutes compared to previous clubs.
Selection, he explained, is about balance and consistency, not simply rotating for the sake of it.
Is Roma Really a Top-Four Team?
Gasperini didn’t shy away from the debate over Roma’s true level.
He acknowledged that injuries have contributed to recent dips in performance, but reiterated that the club itself set the goal of finishing in the top four.
No one handed them that expectation—they earned it through their performances earlier in the season.
Whether they ultimately reach that objective remains to be seen, but the intent is clear: Roma will fight until the end.
Transfer Strategy and Club Vision
When asked about long-term planning and the club’s transfer approach, Gasperini offered a candid assessment.
Roma, he noted, have signed around 30 players over the past two years, yet only a handful are currently regular contributors.
Rather than constant turnover, he suggested a more targeted recruitment strategy—fewer signings, but more impactful ones.
Balancing experienced players with sustainable wages and carefully integrated young talent remains the ideal scenario, though easier said than done.
No Time for Speculation on His Future
Finally, Gasperini brushed off questions about his own future being tied to Champions League qualification.
The idea that his job depends solely on reaching that goal, he implied, comes more from outside narratives than internal discussions.
For now, his focus is simple: finish the season strongly and get the best out of the squad.
The Bottom Line
Roma’s season is at a crossroads. Injuries, inconsistency, and external pressure have all played a role—but the target remains within reach.
As Gasperini put it, everything now hinges on these final seven matches.
And it starts with Pisa.
