Gasperini: Dybala had to stay at Roma absolutely; Cagliari and Frosinone the surprises

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has given an account of his first year in charge at Roma in an interview with La Stampa, expressing confidence in the club's current trajectory while cautioning against complacency. Gasperini described his tenure as "an intense first year, with the conviction that the path we have taken is the right one but also with the awareness that we cannot stop here." Gasperini emphasised the need for sustained progress and resilience through inevitable fluctuations. "This is a beautiful period," he said. "But we know very well that we must move forward with continuity, always with great passion and determination. The paths are never straight: there are always cycles, you go up, then you come down. And it is precisely in those moments that you must have the strength to restart and to believe." He stressed that building an important project requires multiple components working in concert: good coaching, quality players, strong staff, and an enthusiastic environment. Gasperini used a vineyard metaphor to illustrate this philosophy of holistic development. "It is a bit like when you work in the vineyards: you must have all these components at your disposal," he explained. His remarks reflect a focus on the personality the squad has developed and the collective effort required to sustain Roma's performance trajectory.

Gian Piero Gasperini has called for greater proximity between the Friedkin family ownership and the club's day-to-day operations, drawing a contrast with his previous experience at Atalanta under the Percassi family, who maintained constant on-field contact. While reaffirming his perception of the American owners' support and esteem, Gasperini has made clear his desire to see them more closely involved in the squad's affairs. He cited two decisive moments when the Friedkins' physical presence shifted outcomes: Ryan Friedkin's presence in Rome in January unlocked the deal that brought Donyell Malen to the club, and Dan Friedkin's backing secured the push needed in the closing stages of last season to clinch Champions League qualification. The appointment of new chief executive John Galantic is intended to bridge this gap and reconnect ownership with the everyday needs of the city and the training ground. On the transfer front, Gasperini has firmly ruled out any possibility of selling Manu Koné. The prospect of his departure in the final stages of the summer window was never practically viable because the club could not source an adequate replacement in the limited time available. Gasperini expressed strong satisfaction with the Frenchman's stay, confirming that the player has all the qualities to continue raising his technical and economic value within Roma's framework. From the medical department, Gasperini categorically denied reports of a collateral ligament problem affecting Bryan Cristante, leaving open the possibility of his inclusion in the Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. The coaching staff remains highly attentive to managing the attacking resources, with the performances and composure of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen identified as the certainties to lean on for the rest of the season. Gasperini also paid tribute to José Mourinho, describing him as a "special" coach who left a profound mark on the club through European triumphs during his time in Rome.

Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed reservations about the extended international break, questioning whether it will disrupt Roma's rhythm as the club prepares for a gruelling month ahead. Speaking to Sky at his wine estate in Asti, the coach acknowledged the unusual length of the stoppage—comparing it only to the Qatar World Cup break—and noted that Roma's reduced squad during the pause meant the team could not hold friendlies. "This long break is an experiment that I don't think many people liked," Gasperini said. "We had so few players available that we couldn't play friendlies. It is what it is; the decision-makers will assess whether to repeat it." The concern reflects Roma's recent history with international breaks. Last season, Roma lost three of four matches upon returning from national team duties—defeats to Torino and two losses to Inter—managing only a win over Cremonese. Gasperini suggested stopping a team in full flow was hardly ideal, though he acknowledged the situation applies to all clubs. From Sunday onward, Roma face nine matches in a month where rotation will prove essential. The five-substitute rule will be crucial during this demanding run, though Gasperini noted that only four changes carry real significance. "The energy expenditure is considerable," he explained. "For coaches, management isn't as complicated—you can rotate more players and use the whole squad with fewer complications. The disadvantage is only injuries; with so many matches, the risk of injury increases." Gasperini stressed the value of squad depth in managing fixture congestion, emphasising that rotation and tactical planning will determine how Roma navigate the period ahead.

Roma travel to Como for a Serie A encounter on Sunday at 12:30 for matchday six, immediately after the international break. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi and Mario Hermoso, Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Marten de Roon and Manu Koné in midfield. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are set to operate in the attacking third, with Donyell Malen leading the line. Competition for places remains open in several positions: Evan N'Dicka and Balerdi are competing for the third centre-back slot, while Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are battling for a spot in the advanced midfield alongside Pellegrini. The selection is being shaped by ongoing injury concerns across the squad. Roma arrive still near the top of the league table but must recalibrate after two weeks disrupted by international departures. For Gasperini, the priority is assessing the condition of players returning late from their national teams and rotating the squad without sacrificing defensive stability in what is expected to be a challenging away fixture. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will field a 4-2-3-1 setup and attempt to exploit home advantage and their attacking resources. Historically, Roma hold the upper hand in the head-to-head record, with 13 victories compared to Como's 7, and 8 draws across 28 Serie A meetings. The most recent encounter came on 15 March 2026 at the Sinigaglia, where Como won 2-1. Roma took the lead through Donyell Malen's penalty on 7 minutes, but Como reversed the result in the second half with goals from Douvikas and Diego Carlos. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN via smartphone, PC, tablet or the official website. Official lineups will be announced approximately one hour before kick-off.

Roma will renew their search for a forward in the January transfer window after failing to secure a speedster during the summer. The club saved money through the structure of the Rodrigo Mora deal and is monitoring both established and familiar targets for the position, according to Corriere dello Sport. Endrick, a Real Madrid forward, is on Roma's radar and could potentially leave on loan if his minutes continue to be limited. However, securing him would require negotiating a permanent option to buy, which Real Madrid are unlikely to grant. Jaime Leweling, who came close to joining in the summer, remains a target with a potentially reduced price tag after struggling for regular minutes. Jamie Gittens, who has yet to play in the Premier League this campaign, is also under consideration. Roma are interested in Giorgi Kvernadze, an emerging Serie A prospect at Frosinone, though convincing the club to sell mid-season will prove difficult. Luiz Henrique from Zenit is another option, though he is left-footed, which could complicate matters given Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé's fitness status. Buying in January typically carries a premium, but the article notes that new opportunities frequently emerge as players seek more regular football. The possibility remains that Mora could develop into the solution, potentially negating the need for another attacker.

Gian Piero Gasperini is preparing Roma for a return fixture against Como on Sunday, determined not to repeat the defensive confusion that haunted last season's meeting. The Italian manager joked about studying Cesc Fabregas's tactical setup like a Subbuteo game, but behind the quip lies serious intent: Roma must arrive prepared for Como's constant rotations and mid-match adjustments. Gasperini said: "Domenica sarà diverso" — Sunday will be different — signalling he will not allow Fabregas to seize control as he did before. Last season's encounter exposed a key weakness: the absence of Evan N'Dicka. The Ivorian defender sat out that match, and when Como pressed forward, Roma lacked the physical presence needed to contain Fabregas's attacking focal point. N'Dicka's presence proved crucial in the opening fixture of the previous campaign, shutting down opponents and frustrating Fabregas throughout. Now, with the rematch approaching, N'Dicka's physicality and ability to win defensive duels looms as a potential difference-maker. Balerdi offers greater speed, but the Ivorian possesses the frame to challenge Como's strikers — both the threat of Artem Douvikas and potentially Moise Kean — in direct contests. Gasperini has six days to finalize his blueprint. Roma's squad contains attacking talent — Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Wesley all carry above-average quality — but the match against Como requires more than technical excellence. It demands a willingness to battle, to win contested moments and to disrupt play when necessary. Last season, Douvikas's goal sparked Como's comeback, opening spaces that multiplied as the match progressed. That pattern must not repeat. The away support will follow Roma to Como; the visiting fans' section is already sold out.