Gasperini ready to play any day; Koné fitness concerns ahead of derby

AS Roma face a crucial derby match against Lazio on May 17, but midfielder Manu Koné's participation remains in doubt after he suffered a muscular problem during training. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini will make a final decision when announcing the official squad list. The derby kicks off at noon and represents a pivotal moment in Roma's season, with the club seeking to secure important points. Gasperini addressed the media ahead of the fixture, discussing multiple topics including Paulo Dybala's contract renewal negotiations and the broader state of the squad. The coach expressed optimism about Dybala's renewal, stating the two parties share aligned objectives. Off the pitch, Roma continue planning ahead: general manager Massara's departure appears increasingly likely, with Francesco Sogliano emerging as the frontrunner to replace him, though details remain unclear on timing and final decision. Other names under consideration include D'Amico. The club also maintains interest in Touré, a German winger available from Pisa, as a potential reinforcement for next season. Meanwhile, supporters prepare for a major occasion at the Stadio Olimpico. The Curva Sud issued instructions for tomorrow's choreography, signaling the fans' readiness to create an intense atmosphere for what is shaping up to be a decisive contest in the Roma calendar.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Roma's Derby della Capitale against SS Lazio. Gasperini expressed confidence in Roma's position, stating: "The insidiousness is that Lazio is anyway an excellent squad. It is clear that they at this moment have finished their season, the only strong motivation is to try to prevent Roma from reaching the maximum of the target. We have much truer motivations, much stronger, much more tied to results." Gasperini addressed the fixture scheduling controversy, acknowledging the impact on fans and clubs forced to travel, though he noted Roma's willingness to play at any time. He emphasized the importance of owner Ryan Friedkin's direct involvement with the squad, saying the ownership's presence "is fundamental because when there is the presence of the Ownership, everything works better. There is less people who report things, there is much more possibility of having direct relationships without intermediaries." Regarding midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who was born in Rome, Gasperini confirmed the player has trained all week following injury and will be assessed before the match. Gasperini stressed that derby-born players often feel these matches differently. He also expressed optimism about Paulo Dybala's contract renewal, noting that when both the club and player share the same vision, "then after a solution can be found." Roma sit level on points with AC Milan and one point behind Juventus with two matches remaining.

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media ahead of Roma's Derby della Capitale clash, drawing a sharp contrast between the two clubs' ambitions and motivation. The Roma head coach remarked on Lazio's position in the season and their likely approach to the fixture. Gasperini said: "Lazio is an excellent squad, they have finished their season and their only strong motivation is to prevent Roma from reaching the maximum target. We have much truer and stronger motivations, more tied to results. I expect a rightly genuine match. It is not that we can think Lazio has extraordinary morale, but they will do everything to spoil things for us." Gasperini emphasized that Roma's objectives this season extend far beyond a local derby victory, particularly regarding Champions League qualification. He stressed the difference in stakes between the two teams, noting Roma's competitive drive is centered on tangible results and league position, whereas Lazio's remaining focus is primarily to disrupt Roma's campaign. The coach also made light of speculation around Maurizio Sarri's attendance at the fixture, joking that the Lazio manager had stated he would not attend. During his press conference, Gasperini acknowledged mutual respect between the rival fanbases while maintaining that Roma enters the derby as the team with higher seasonal ambitions and more substantive motivation tied to final standings.