Gasperini harbours doubts after the break as Roma face their real test

Gian Piero Gasperini has praised Paulo Dybala's importance to Roma in an interview given six days before the club's fixture against Como. Speaking from his family wine business, Gasperini reflected on Roma's extended break during the international window, which he described as an experiment that appears not to have been well received. "We had never had a stoppage like this before," he explained. "The executives will evaluate whether it should happen again. We had a reduced number of players so we couldn't arrange friendlies. We took rest days like today. From tomorrow we'll start getting immersed in the reality of a league we left in a very positive way." Gasperini has settled into his role at Roma since his appointment in 2025 and highlighted the quality of the playing squad as a key factor in the club's recent success. He described the dynamic with ownership: "There are many small factors that have contributed to these results. The first is finding players with enormous availability. The relationship with the Friedkins? I feel their confidence from a distance. They come to Rome rarely. My objective is to involve them more." On the transfer market activity that saw Manu Koné linked with Chelsea, Gasperini clarified Roma's position: "We couldn't replace him in such a short time. The market lasted a long time and making a sale at the last moment was impossible."

Gian Piero Gasperini outlined one of his key ambitions for the season as Roma prepare to travel to Como on Sunday. The head coach said: "I feel their confidence, but I want to bring the Friedkin Group closer to Rome. Bringing greater presence with the centenary and the new stadium in mind is an objective of mine." Roma will return to their Trigoria base from Tuesday as players rejoin from international duty, ahead of the Como fixture and a demanding stretch of nine matches in 27 days. Gasperini also addressed the fitness of Bryan Cristante, who continues his recovery from injury. "Cristante is recovering but it will take time," the coach said. On Manu Koné, who did not leave the club during the transfer window, Gasperini explained: "For Koné there were no suitable timings." The coach also paid tribute to José Mourinho, describing him as "a special person." In a lighter moment with Como manager Cesc Fabregas, the two coaches discussed pressing tactics using a Subbuteo table football set, with Gasperini joking: "He beat me here, but on Sunday..."

Manu Koné could have left Roma in the summer transfer window after Chelsea made a late move for the French midfielder, but head coach Gian Piero Gasperini blocked the transfer. Arsenal and Manchester United had also shown initial interest, but Gasperini was determined to keep Koné as a key part of his squad. The midfielder has since justified that decision with strong performances in the opening weeks of the season, including a brace against Inter and recent appearances for France. Gasperini has now spoken publicly about why the Chelsea deal did not materialise. "There wasn't enough time. Also because these transfers involve bringing in a lot of people, even just to draft contracts," he said. The coach backed Koné to improve further, which he believes will raise his value in the coming months. "He'll have plenty of time to increase his value, even if he's already done so." Gasperini also acknowledged the backing of the Friedkin Group, Roma's owners, in keeping Koné at the club despite the opportunity to sell. "I feel the Friedkins' support, even though they're far away and rarely come to Rome. Galantic is here, but my goal is to bring them closer together." The midfielder's form suggests Koné will prove crucial to Roma's Serie A title challenge this season.