Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to Gazzetta dello Sport about his arrival at Roma and the club's ambitions, declaring that despite the demands of financial fair play, he is happy at the club and believes the squad shares his vision. Asked whether he would encourage players such as Cristante and Pellegrini to dream of the scudetto, Gasperini said: "Dreams are never stifled. The important thing is knowing that when the alarm goes off, reality is another thing. Then, if you live reality in the right way, you can also make it match your dreams."
Gasperini acknowledged that the summer transfer window proved difficult. He had expected the Champions League qualification money to solve Roma's problems, but attempts to sign Greenwood and Summerville revealed constraints tied to wage limits. "The summer was torture, constantly reworking market ideas and giving up on lads who were keen to come to Roma for reasons of wage budget," he said. What compensated for his disappointment was the commitment shown by the squad: "The desire of a group of young and older players to stay, who cut their own salaries."
On individual players, Gasperini praised Dybala's fitness and willingness to play. "I hate words like preserve, save, rest," he said. "I ask Paulo: 'Do you want to play again?' If he says yes, I keep him on even at 4-0 for us. Never stop a lad who is enjoying himself." Of Dybala, he simply stated: "He is unique." On Malen, Gasperini explained his admiration for the forward's first touch and spatial awareness: "If I move those three touches closer to the goal, he becomes lethal. Indeed..." When asked how many goals he expected from the Dutch player, Gasperini replied: "If he challenges Higuaín's record of 36, it would not surprise me." Mora drew praise as "a truly great player. Every ball he touches, something happens. As it does for the greats." Gasperini also noted that the international experience of Balerdi and De Roon would prove valuable in the Champions League.
Testo Originale / Source Text
“In un'intervista rilasciata alla Gazzetta dello Sport, Gian Piero Gasperini ha parlato della e di Roma ("La cosa più bella che ho visto è la Cappella Sistina ma anche la tomba di San Pietro mi ha emozionato"), a 360 gradi, dal mercato alle ambizioni e di una cosa è certo: "Con l'Atalanta ci siamo…”
Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.
