Paulo Dybala's availability for Roma's match against Atalanta remains in doubt after the Argentine forward showed signs of fatigue following 163 minutes across victories against Fiorentina and Lecce. Roma expect over 65,000 supporters at the Olimpico, but the condition of one of the club's headline signings threatens to disrupt preparations for a fixture against Maurizio Sarri's side.
Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed Dybala's status in his pre-match press conference, offering cautious reassurance to the fanbase. "Dybala does not have anything particular wrong with him," Gasperini said. "The examinations revealed nothing. He trains today, but what is important is that he feels confident and at ease, also because it is a week in which we have three matches. He needs to feel secure that he can play." Those comments, delivered around 13:30, left open all possibilities regarding Dybala's involvement. The final decision was deferred until the afternoon training session, which was expected to provide clearer guidance on the player's readiness.
Today's session, however, failed to yield certainty. Dybala trained normally with the squad and completed part of the session with the group, but nothing alarming emerged from his involvement. Gasperini is likely to err on the side of caution; the most probable scenario is Dybala on the bench, with the option to enter during the match if needed. A complete rest and exclusion from the squad list remains possible. Dybala is keen to build on his excellent performances against Fiorentina and Lecce, but Roma's Champions League return looms large in his thinking. His last Champions League appearance came on 16 March 2021—just twelve minutes in Juventus's 3–0 defeat to Villarreal. His most recent goal in the competition dated to 2 November 2021, a home brace against Zenit. That absence weighs heavily, and caution appears the most likely path forward ahead of tomorrow's fixture.
Story Coverage10 sources on this story
Roma host Atalanta in a Serie A third-round fixture at the Olimpico on 5 September at 20:45, with 65,000 supporters expected and Colombo of the Como section officiating. Roma enter the match on the back of two consecutive four-goal victories and fluid attacking play, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini providing an optimistic outlook. Emanuele Lulli will start for his third consecutive appearance in the line-up, with Nahuel Molina dropping to the bench. Gasperini has expressed exceptional confidence in the 19-year-old defender from Palestrina, telling La Gazzetta dello Sport: "For athletic values, speed and endurance, he is superior to everyone, even Wesley. A force of nature. And he's a golden boy. He needs to grow technically." The manager explained Molina's limited minutes differently, noting he arrives "from a World Cup that drained him and different tactical habits, less aggressive ones. But he is almost ready."
The major selection uncertainty centres on Paulo Dybala. The Argentine forward showed signs of fatigue after 163 minutes across victories against Fiorentina and Lecce, though examinations revealed no significant injury. Gasperini deferred his final decision until the afternoon training session on 5 September, stating Dybala "does not have anything particular wrong with him" but emphasizing "what is important is that he feels confident and at ease, also because it is a week in which we have three matches." Forza Roma reports Dybala trained normally but suggests the most probable scenario is Dybala on the bench, with the option to enter during the match if needed. Evan N'Dicka has fully recovered from a minor muscle strain and is ready to return to the back line, re-establishing Roma's three-man defensive structure.
AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“L’entusiasmo in casa Roma è alle stelle. Le prime due nette vittorie stagionali hanno acceso il pubblico giallorosso, pronto a riempire nuovamente l’Olimpico per la sfida contro l’Atalanta di Maurizio Sarri. Sugli spalti sono attesi oltre 65mila tifosi, mentre in campo potrebbe mancare una delle…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.
