Gasperini deploys bench strength ahead of Lazio derby
Squad News·16 May 2026·45d ago

Gasperini deploys bench strength ahead of Lazio derby

Source: Forza Roma

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has key squad options returning to availability for Roma's upcoming fixtures, particularly the derby against Lazio. Lorenzo Pellegrini and Artem Dovbyk are among the players now available from the bench after periods of absence. Pellegrini, a specialist in derby matches, and Dovbyk, who can be deployed in late-game situations, represent important tactical resources for Gasperini as Roma enters its final two matches of the season.

Gasperini has consistently emphasized the importance of squad depth and has previously noted how the unavailability of several players—including Dybala, Koné, El Shaarawy, Soulé, and Wesley—restricted his options throughout the campaign. The return of these players, particularly Pellegrini and Dovbyk, addresses a long-standing concern. Pellegrini, whose contract is set to expire, remains focused on delivering in what could be among his last matches for the club. In derby matches, Gasperini tends to favor experienced players of proven weight, making Dovbyk's availability significant despite other attacking options such as the younger Vaz also competing for minutes.

At Parma, substitutes already played a decisive role, with Rensch notably contributing following Wesley's earlier unavailability due to gastroenteritis. Venturino and El Aynaoui were also among the impact players from the bench in that fixture.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Testo Originale / Source Text

Machine-scraped Italian — paste into Google Translate for a full read.

La panchina, già decisiva a Parma, ritrova due uomini-chiave. Pellegrini è specialista dei derby, Dovbyk ideale per gli assalti finali Redazione 16 maggio - 07:30 "Mai sola mai" risuona sugli Champs-Élysées: il video del rider romanista è virale E all'improvviso, Lorenzo Pellegrini e Artem Dovbyk. Così, due carte in più da potersi giocare: non male, considerando l'importanza degli ultimi due impegni, specie il primo, quello di domani contro la Lazio. Gasp sa perfettamente, e non lo ha mai nascosto, quanto siano fondamentali gli uomini della panchina e ha altrettanto fatto sapere a più riprese quanto gli siano mancati per buona parte della stagione, scrive Alessandro Angeloni su Il Messaggero. Non solo quei due, ma tanti altri, da Dybala a Koné, poi El Shaarawy, Soulé. Wesley, con le opzioni alternative spesso ridotte o, in varie fasi, impreparate. Artem può eventualmente sfidare il giovane Vaz per uno spazio nel finale: il tecnico di solito, a parità di condizioni, si affida più a gente di peso, soprattutto su palcoscenici come quello del derby. Diciamo che né l'ucraino né il francese sono i suoi centravanti preferiti, anche se con Dovbyk (e Ferguson) nella prima parte della stagione è riuscito comunque a fare risultati. E se Capello buttava dentro Delvecchio anche al dieci per cento, Gasp quest'anno ha fatto più o meno lo stesso con Lorenzo Pellegrini, sempre schierato da titolare dopo i rientri da infortuni. E non è escluso che possa accadere lo stesso domani. E pure Lorenzo, a scadenza di contratto, lotta affinché questo non sia il suo ultimo derby. Sono le carte in più di Gasp, che si aggiungono agli altri, già decisivi a Parma. Al Tardini, una grossa mano l'hanno data altri subentrati, da Venturino a (soprattutto) Rensch, protagonista pure nel derby di andata, quando ha dovuto sostituire Wesley, alle prese con una improvvisa gastroenterite, oltre a El Aynaoui. © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

Read original on Forza Roma

More Squad News

Juventus reportedly table €40 million offer for Svilar; Roma's stance unclear
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
2h ago

Juventus reportedly table €40 million offer for Svilar; Roma's stance unclear

Juventus has reportedly made a €40 million bid for AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar as the transfer window enters a critical phase. Roma is simultaneously working to resolve a settlement agreement matter. The club's position on Svilar's potential departure remains unclear at this stage. The offer represents significant interest from a Serie A rival, though whether Roma will consider selling their goalkeeper depends on ongoing negotiations and the club's strategic priorities.

Juventus inquire about Svilar as Roma insists goalkeeper is not for sale
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3h ago

Juventus inquire about Svilar as Roma insists goalkeeper is not for sale

Juventus made an initial contact with AS Roma overnight to inquire about the availability and financial terms for goalkeeper Mile Svilar, according to reports. The Bianconeri are searching for a new goalkeeper to replace Di Gregorio and have been exploring various options, including the former Benfica player. However, Roma has responded with a categorical denial of any possibility that Svilar will be sold. The club considers the 26-year-old goalkeeper a fundamental piece of their squad and has emphasized from Trigoria that he is among the non-negotiable players. Developer consider Svilar a key component of their defensive setup and have made clear internally that they will not entertain offers for the shot-stopper despite the intense summer transfer window activity. The goalkeeper remains central to the club's plans moving forward, and Roma's firm stance suggests they intend to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico regardless of external interest.

Greenwood Transfer: Roma Prepares Offer But Fenerbahce Poses Challenge Over Fee
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3h ago

Greenwood Transfer: Roma Prepares Offer But Fenerbahce Poses Challenge Over Fee

Roma is accelerating its pursuit of Mason Greenwood as a key target identified by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, with the club preparing a formal offer. However, Fenerbahçe has emerged as a rival suitor, and a dispute over the transfer fee complicates negotiations. The exact structure of Roma's offer and Fenerbahçe's competitive bid remain unclear, though the transfer window has entered an active phase. Gasperini's involvement in identifying Greenwood as a priority suggests the winger aligns with Roma's tactical plans for the season ahead.

More on Lorenzo Pellegrini

Player profile →
Celik Close to Contract Extension but Not Gasperini's First Choice at Right-back
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
22h ago

Celik Close to Contract Extension but Not Gasperini's First Choice at Right-back

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.

Roma closing in on contract renewals for Dybala and Celik, with Pellegrini to follow
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1d ago

Roma closing in on contract renewals for Dybala and Celik, with Pellegrini to follow

AS Roma is moving toward contract renewals with three key players whose existing deals expire on 1 July: Paulo Dybala, Zeki Celik, and Lorenzo Pellegrini. According to reports, negotiations between the club and the players' representatives are advancing, with agreements expected soon. Dybala has reportedly accepted a significant wage reduction—reportedly more than half his original salary—to remain at Roma, while Pellegrini faces a similar salary adjustment. Celik, a Turkish defender, is valued by head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for his tactical versatility, capable of playing as a right centre-back or as an outside defender. All three players are expected to continue their careers at the Giallorossi. The renewals form part of Roma's broader transfer activity, which will sharpen focus from 1 July onward. Both Dybala and Pellegrini have shown mutual willingness to stay despite the reduced financial terms, reflecting the club's financial restructuring strategy. Celik's renewal aligns with Gasperini's tactical preferences, making him a priority in the coach's plans. Once Dybala and Celik's signatures are finalized—described as imminent—attention will turn to completing Pellegrini's renewal, the final piece in securing this trio's immediate future at the club.

Roma freezes sales and negotiates with UEFA to avoid further fines
Transfer NewsClub News AI
1d ago

Roma freezes sales and negotiates with UEFA to avoid further fines

Roma has paused player sales negotiations while in talks with UEFA over a settlement agreement to avoid additional sanctions. The club faces a June 30 deadline to generate required capital gains under UEFA rules, but believes it can negotiate flexibility in the timeline. Matías Soulé remains the key to unlocking the situation; despite interest from Saudi Arabia's Al-Diriyah—reportedly offering around €35 million—Soulé has expressed doubts about his career prospects in the Saudi league and has not committed. The player's decision could come early in July. Roma's ownership and sporting director D'Amico are prioritizing stability over rushed deals and are considering a window through July 15 to complete sales on the club's preferred terms. The club prefers the risk of potential UEFA sanctions to accepting significantly undervalued offers. A corrective economic plan with UEFA may also be discussed in November. Head coach Gasperini continues to pursue reinforcements; Mason Greenwood remains a target, while contract discussions with Çetin, Dybala, and Pellegrini await clearer direction from the club.

More on Artem Dovbyk

Player profile →
Roma's outgoings may be delayed until July
Transfer NewsClub News AI
2d ago

Roma's outgoings may be delayed until July

Roma continue to work on departures in the transfer market, though not all sales appear certain to be completed before the end of the current window. The club is managing potential exits, including those involving Dovbyk and Ziolkowski, with details on timing remaining unclear. Such delays could push several transactions into the summer transfer period. Roma's outgoing activity reflects broader squad adjustments as the club balances both immediate needs and longer-term planning.

Dovbyk puzzle: Betis offer reportedly rejected
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3d ago

Dovbyk puzzle: Betis offer reportedly rejected

Roma continues to work on multiple fronts to reshape its attacking lineup for the upcoming season, but must first resolve the situation surrounding striker Dovbyk. Betis reportedly made an offer for the player, which was turned down. The club is balancing several transfer options as it plans its offensive setup, with Dovbyk's future at Roma remaining a key point of discussion in the coming weeks.

Roma delays departures for Dovbyk and Ziolkowski; Mannini and Cherubini at risk
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
3d ago

Roma delays departures for Dovbyk and Ziolkowski; Mannini and Cherubini at risk

AS Roma is working to move several players out before the June 30 transfer deadline, though the process is proving complicated. The departures of Dovbyk and Ziolkowski are on hold and both players may leave in July instead. Mannini, a youth player returning from a loan spell at Juve Stabia, and Cherubini, who spent the last season on loan at Sampdoria in Serie B, are among the secondary squad members Roma is attempting to offload. The club continues to pursue moves for other players as well, with negotiations ongoing for several outgoing transfers. The June 30 deadline is creating pressure to finalize sales, but the timeline for some key departures remains fluid. Negotiations involving Soulé and Koné are also growing more complicated as the deadline approaches. Roma has been active in the transfer market both in terms of outgoings and incomings, seeking to reshape the squad ahead of the new season. The window's final days are expected to bring clarity on which players will depart and which will remain. Separately, Romano completed his medical examination on deadline day and is set to sign with Cagliari, generating an estimated profit of approximately 4 million euros for Roma. Discussions with PSV regarding another player continue, though Roma awaits a more convincing offer.

More on Paulo Dybala

Player profile →
Dybala makes sacrifice for Roma; club eyes Puerta; Inter has not made offer for Pisilli
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
17h ago

Dybala makes sacrifice for Roma; club eyes Puerta; Inter has not made offer for Pisilli

Roma news roundup covering multiple developments. Paulo Dybala is reportedly making a sacrifice for the club, though specific details remain unclear. In the transfer market, Roma has shown interest in a player named Puerta. Separately, Inter Milan has not submitted an offer for Niccolò Pisilli, suggesting the midfielder remains available for Roma's squad planning. These updates reflect ongoing activity in recruitment and squad management as the club navigates the current transfer window.

Soulé rejects Saudi Arabia move but Roma pushes for exit; German clubs may return after June 30
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
20h ago

Soulé rejects Saudi Arabia move but Roma pushes for exit; German clubs may return after June 30

Matías Soulé appears set to reject an offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, despite Roma's desire to sell him. Al Ahli attempted to persuade the 23-year-old Argentine without submitting an official bid to Roma. Soulé has expressed reluctance to move to a second-tier league at this stage of his career and would have preferred a move to Germany, but neither Borussia Dortmund nor Stuttgart have matched Roma's €40 million asking price. RB Leipzig also inquired without making a firm approach. With the June 30 transfer deadline approaching, Soulé is likely to remain at Roma beyond that date, though the club continues to seek his departure. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has reportedly informed Roma's management that Soulé is not among the untouchable players in the squad, particularly with incoming signing Greenwood occupying a similar role. Roma would accept €35 million plus add-ons to generate profit and reinvest funds elsewhere. Paulo Dybala is also close to leaving the club. Roma's management awaits offers that are expected to arrive after the June 30 deadline. Soulé's departure remains probable but is unlikely to be to Saudi Arabia, with German clubs potentially returning with serious proposals in the coming transfer window.

Celik Close to Contract Extension but Not Gasperini's First Choice at Right-back
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
22h ago

Celik Close to Contract Extension but Not Gasperini's First Choice at Right-back

Zeki Celik is close to signing a new three-year contract with AS Roma following Turkey's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage. The club and player have reached an agreement in principle, with an announcement expected in the coming days. However, Celik will not be Gasperini's starting right-back. The head coach has requested reinforcement on the right flank and views Celik as a versatile option who can operate on either wing or as a right centre-back to rotate with Gianluca Mancini. Gasperini's primary target for the right-back position is a younger profile than Molina, who is considered a secondary option at 28 years old. Dodô is not being pursued, as Roma has not made any formal approach for the player. On the left side, Wesley remains a key part of the plans after rejecting Chelsea and is ready for the upcoming season. Ruggeri is not a target for Roma. The club will seek an alternative to Wesley on the left, with Angeliño expected to depart. Roma continues to work on contract extensions for key players, with Celik's renewal progressing alongside talks with Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini regarding their own deals.

Feedback