Gasperini explains Dybala exclusion from Bologna starting lineup

Gian Piero Gasperini presented himself to the press ahead of Roma's match against Bologna, arriving with a notably different demeanor. The focus of discussion centered on the club's sporting direction and structural changes as Roma prepares for the future under the new coaching regime. The article examines how Roma will be shaped under Gasperini's leadership, including the search for a new sporting director to replace outgoing leadership. These moves represent a significant overhaul in the club's management structure as Roma aims to establish a new project moving forward.

AS Roma's women's team are preparing for a high-profile Serie A match against Juventus on Saturday, April 25th at 12:30, the nineteenth round of the season. Coach Luca Rossettini expressed confidence in his squad's readiness following the international break, noting that the team has regrouped after players returned from national team commitments. Rossettini described the upcoming encounter as an important and attractive fixture against a strong opponent. Rossettini emphasized that Roma has consistently performed well in big matches this season but has not always secured the results their performances merited. He highlighted a sense of frustration from previous clashes with Juventus, stating the team carries that unresolved tension into Saturday's contest. The coach also referenced an upcoming Coppa Italia final against Juventus scheduled for May 24th at Vicenza, framing Saturday's league match as another opportunity to prove their worth against one of Italy's strongest women's sides. Rossettini confirmed 22 players in the squad for the match. He stressed the importance of maintaining winning mentality and noted that facing top-tier opposition provides additional motivation despite the unpredictable nature of such encounters.

Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano will not speak to the press ahead of Saturday's Serie A match against Roma at the Dall'Ara stadium, scheduled for 18:00. This contrasts with Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who is holding his pre-match conference. The decision is a club-level measure designed to shield Italiano from intense questioning following controversial comments he made after Bologna's recent loss to Juventus. After the defeat to Juventus, Italiano stated "Our season is already finished" and "Bernardeschi's injury is my fault," remarks that sparked significant debate within the Bologna camp. By canceling his press appearance, the club aims to prevent the pre-Roma conference from becoming dominated by questions about his future and these post-Juventus statements. The protection reflects internal sensitivity around Italiano's position and recent controversial remarks. The match takes place on 25 April, with both teams preparing for what figures to be a significant encounter. Roma will look to capitalize on any potential disruption in Bologna's preparation, while the Rossoblu face the challenge of focusing solely on football without the customary media engagement.

Roma will travel to Bologna in a crucial Serie A match as the club chases Champions League qualification. Manager Gasperini has several key players available for selection, with Brazilian winger Wesley expected to return to the starting lineup. Paulo Dybala is fit but will begin on the bench, leaving the main tactical question centered on the left-wing position. The primary selection debate involves choosing between El Shaarawy and El Aynaoui on the flank, with midfielder Pisilli's positioning dependent on that decision—he could operate in midfield or shift forward as a number 10 depending on the final lineup. Italian newspapers have published their predicted lineups ahead of the fixture, with most outlets favoring El Shaarawy in the starting XI. Gasperini faces this match during a period of organizational upheaval at the club, though Roma cannot afford further slip-ups if they are to maintain their top-four hopes. The Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, Il Messaggero, and Il Tempo all predict a 3-4-2-1 formation with El Shaarawy starting, while Tuttosport and Corriere della Sera suggest alternatives involving El Aynaoui in the midfield. The expected lineup includes goalkeeper Svilar, defensive trio of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso, with Malen leading the attack.

Claudio Ranieri has officially departed AS Roma, with the club issuing a statement reaffirming complete confidence in Gasperini and the new technical project. Ranieri characterized the exit as a unilateral decision by Roma, stating in his own message: "A unilateral choice by the club. For the sake of transparency, clarity of action, fidelity to the truth of facts, and love for the shirt that represents my second skin." Ranieri's departure as senior advisor marks the end of his off-field involvement with the club and opens significant internal changes. Massara faces uncertainty regarding his position, with the club evaluating potential replacements for the sporting director role, including names reportedly favored by Gasperini. The youth academy sector is also undergoing restructuring, with some personnel decisions pending. These developments suggest Roma is undertaking a broader organizational overhaul under Gasperini's direction. Gasperini has confirmed Dybala will not start in the upcoming Bologna match, with broader questions surrounding the player's future remaining unresolved. The squad also welcomes back Dybala and Wesley following their availability updates. Details remain unclear on the full scope of organizational changes ahead.

Claudio Ranieri has departed his advisory role at AS Roma. The Friedkin ownership has issued a statement emphasizing that Roma's interests come first. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has indicated a lack of alignment with sporting director Massara, citing what he describes as an absence of working chemistry between them. Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala has returned to the squad.