Gasperini calls for clarity as Roma chase Champions League

Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has been left out of Italy coach Roberto Mancini's 31-man squad for the Nations League matches against France and Belgium, despite a strong start to the season with Roma. Mancini addressed the decision at a press conference today at Coverciano, where the squad is gathering. Mancini said: "We know Cristante, there is no need to prove him. When we need him, we will call him." He stressed that the decision was not technical. Instead, he said, it was aimed at giving more room to young players who will have the chance to show what they can do in the senior national team shirt. Two Roma players have been called up: Daniele Ghilardi and Niccolò Pisilli.

Netherlands head coach Xavi has urged Roma forward Donyell Malen to build his confidence, saying he sees the player as a striker and that the team must give him the trust he needs to show his full potential in the national side. Xavi selected Malen for the Netherlands squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Germany, and spoke at a press conference about the Roma man's struggle to reproduce his club form for his country. Asked about Malen's performances for the Netherlands, Xavi said he was not in a position to explain the cause, as he was not there at the time. The Dutch coach said the best approach was to trust Malen and explain what is expected of him in that role. Xavi said: "I don't know why, I wasn't there. The best thing we can do is give Donyell confidence and explain what we expect from him in that role. I see him as a striker. He knows that role well, he knows how to exploit spaces and he has the right timing to help the team at the right moment. We have to give him the confidence he needs to express his potential at its best here too."

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has made clear that Roma forward Donyell Malen is, in his view, a centre-forward, even though he can also be used on the right. Malen has been recalled to the Dutch squad after missing the nation's most recent fixtures through injury. Speaking at a press conference, Xavi said: "For me Malen is a centre-forward. Of course, he is an option on the right, but he feels more comfortable playing as a striker." The comments appear to settle any doubt about the Dutchman's role. His predecessor Koeman often used him as a right winger, the same position he occupied during his time at Aston Villa. Since arriving in the capital, however, Gian Piero Gasperini has deployed him at the heart of the attack, producing thrilling results and convincing Xavi, the former Barcelona midfielder, of his value in that role. Xavi added: "The best thing we can do is give him confidence. Explain to him what we expect from him as a centre-forward. He knows how to attack the spaces, he understands what is asked of him. He recognises the right moment to be involved in the play. I think he can give the best of himself with the Oranje." Having won over Rome, Malen now wants to make his mark on the national team as well.