Gasperini addresses questions about Ranieri ahead of Bologna clash

Roma faced Bologna at the Renato Dall'Ara stadium in a match that sent a clear signal about the club's future direction. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini took a prominent role in pre-match proceedings, addressing the media and team, while sporting director Massara remained notably absent from the spotlight. The contrast in visibility between the two figures underscores Gasperini's established authority over team selection, tactics, and strategic direction at Roma. This appearance reflects the clear hierarchy established since Gasperini's appointment, positioning him as the sole voice responsible for the club's on-pitch matters and public communications.

Gianluca Mancini spoke ahead of Roma's match against Bologna, addressing the recent transition in leadership at the club. When asked about the statement in Claudio Ranieri's farewell message that "Roma is above everything," Mancini reaffirmed the club's values: "It's true, Roma is above everything. When you wear this shirt you have to know that and give your all. Roma will always come first before anything else." The defender acknowledged the quality of Bologna as an opponent, having faced them multiple times already this season. On Roma's tactical approach under new leadership, Mancini stated: "We face a strong team, and they have important qualities up front, but our way of playing is that one. We know we're facing a good team but we'll go out on the pitch to do what the manager asks us to do." His comments reflect continuity in Roma's playing identity despite the managerial change, with the squad focused on executing their principles regardless of external circumstances.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media ahead of Roma's match against Bologna, declining to engage with questions about recent off-field matters. When asked whether distractions from developments outside the pitch could affect the team's focus, Gasperini responded: "Continuate a farmi delle domande in cui non sono direttamente coinvolto. Io non ho fatto botta e risposta, mai, c'è una partita importante per cui ci siamo preparati nel modo migliore per cercare di vincere" (You keep asking me questions in which I'm not directly involved. I have never engaged in tit-for-tat exchanges. There is an important match for which we have prepared in the best way to try to win). Regarding the Bologna fixture, Gasperini acknowledged the opposition's quality despite Roma's current league position advantage over them. He noted that Bologna fielded a competitive squad in the Champions League the previous season and that the teams' previous encounters had been evenly matched. Gasperini confirmed Roma were prepared to face Bologna regardless of their defensive formation, suggesting the club had trained with multiple tactical scenarios in mind. The coach emphasized his focus remained entirely on securing victory in what he described as a very important match for Roma.