Gasperini on de Roon arrival and Roma's title ambitions ahead of Lecce trip

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Lecce–Roma on 31 August 2026, addressing the signing of Marten de Roon from Atalanta and the club's remaining transfer business. De Roon's arrival came together rapidly over 24–48 hours after he fell out of Atalanta's plans following many years at the club. "He wanted to come to Roma very strongly," Gasperini said. "For us it is an opportunity that allows us to give El Aynaoui the chance to have another experience. Economically it is very important because it gives us the opportunity to bring interest into another role." The move also allows Roma to add depth to their defence with another captain alongside new arrival Balerdi, while the physical strength these signings bring will help compensate for having too many Argentine players in the squad, Gasperini added. Gasperini reported that only Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch are unavailable, with Rensch expected to rejoin the group on Tuesday and Pellegrini returning next week. He confirmed Roma still need to complete their squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday with a left-sided defender and an attacking winger. "We have always looked for a left-back and an outside attacker," he said. "If we can take two we would be 21 in the squad plus the goalkeepers." He noted that Matías Soulé can play on the left if needed, having done so under former manager Claudio Ranieri, but he prefers the Argentine higher up the pitch. Roma's financial restrictions under Financial Fair Play rules have prevented them from matching certain contract offers from rivals, though Gasperini praised the spirit of those who joined despite lower wages: "The level of contracts could not exceed a certain ceiling. We must thank all those who came back specifically to play for Roma, and this is a great spirit, and you do not buy it in the market." On the Champions League draw and upcoming fixtures, Gasperini said: "I believe they are all prestige matches; we have drawn a good group. We will go away in hot and difficult stadiums. This is the Champions League. The objective is to stay inside the play-offs. Beyond the sporting result, it will be nice to breathe the air of the Champions League, to play in extraordinary stadiums, with Real Madrid. I believe it will enrich the squad greatly." He defended the De Roon transfer against potential fan concerns: "When you know him he is a solid person. I explained how the operation was born, and it gives us the chance to have a valuable player. It is not a prospect, but it gives us the opportunity to concentrate our efforts in another role." Regarding Nahuel Molina's fitness, Gasperini said the defender "is better, he had a good week of training. He played the World Cup final, it is just a question of finding some condition. Tomorrow he will be part of the match, I do not know if at the start or during the game." The window closes on Tuesday; once it does, Gasperini said, "finally we can talk about football."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 30 August ahead of Roma's trip to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 in Serie A's second round. The head coach confirmed that Marten de Roon has joined Roma from Atalanta and praised the midfielder's arrival alongside defender Balerdi, saying: "With him and Balerdi are arrived two captains, we give a turn both physical and of personality, we need that beyond talent." De Roon, who arrived within the last 24–48 hours, will allow Neil El Aynaoui to seek a more gratifying experience elsewhere. Gasperini stressed the squad's improved robustness: "We have more solutions and better solidity. Honestly I look at my squad and I am very happy with who arrived, we can give continuity and improve the results of last year." Gasperini acknowledged Roma remain short in specific positions. The club must still sign a left-back and an attacking winger to complete the squad for a demanding fixture schedule and to cover injury absences. He confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch are recovering from injury — Rensch returning to group training on Tuesday and Pellegrini from next week — and that all other players are available for the Lecce match. On Matías Soulé, heavily linked with a departure this summer, Gasperini said: "I respect everything and read everything, but of Soulé I have never known of a proposal, there was never one all summer, for him as for other players chattered about. Soulé probably plays tomorrow. Those that are the news, I don't go behind these. There was never a proposal." Gasperini addressed Roma's Financial Fair Play constraints and the squad's character. "Roma suffered the discourse of FFP and had to lower the payroll and certain players we aspired to be stronger we could not reach them. The society was available. The level of contracts could not exceed a certain ceiling. We must thank all those who came back to play in Roma, this is a great spirit you form inside, and under this aspect we are among the very first, if not the very first." He confirmed Nahuel Molina will play against Lecce, either from the start or during the match, after playing in the World Cup final and needing to regain match fitness. On De Roon's past controversial comments about Roma, Gasperini noted: "It is normal when you are opponents. When you know him you will understand he is a very solid person, physically intact. He is a player of value, not of prospect." The transfer window closes on Tuesday 2 September. Gasperini expressed frustration that the market remains open during the season and reiterated his wish for one or preferably two further signings — a left-back and a left-sided forward. "If we manage to take two we are 21, if we take one we will be 20. It is not a numerous squad." On Roma's Champions League group, drawn on 27 August, he said: "It is a nice group with matches of great prestige, we will go to play in very difficult stadiums. This is the Champions. Reaching the top eight is hard for everyone, the objective is to stay inside the playoffs."

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the media on 30 August ahead of tomorrow's Serie A match at Lecce (18:30 kickoff, matchday 2). Roma are chasing back-to-back wins after a 4–0 victory over Fiorentina at the Olimpico. Gasperini confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch remain sidelined, though he expects both to return to the squad by Tuesday—Pellegrini's return on the day the summer transfer window closes. The coach explained the recent signings of Marten de Roon and Nicolás Balerdi as moves designed to add depth and stability. De Roon's arrival came "within 24–48 hours" after the player asked to leave Atalanta and Gasperini made contact with the club's management. "De Roon is physically intact despite his age; he will enter a strong group that wants to be protagonists," Gasperini said. "Two captains have arrived and I believe that in this respect we give the squad a strong physical shift." On Balerdi, he noted: "He is young and in the best of his career. An opportunity that gives substance to the defence, which is very strong. We have a difficult fixture list and want to complete the squad more than the starting eleven to be more competitive and cope with many matches and possible injuries." Gasperini acknowledged that Roma need further additions. He stated: "To complete we need at least one piece that closes the left side. Lulli is giving important responses but cannot be loaded with responsibility." On the possibility of signing a second forward, he said: "For the complete picture we could think of doing one in attack." The coach defended recent acquisitions from criticism, saying: "When you get to know him you will understand that he is a solid person," referring to De Roon. He also addressed links away for Matías Soulé, stating: "I have never heard of a proposal for Soulé, so there has never been one as with other chatted-about players. Tomorrow he will probably play." Gasperini criticised the fixture calendar, saying: "Finalmente Tuesday the market closes and I continue to say that the market dates are wrong. I do not know why we continue with the championship already started." On Roma's Champions League draw—which includes Manchester, Paris, and Athens—Gasperini said: "This is the Champions League, it is a nice group. The first eight are very difficult but the objective is to stay in the play-offs among the 24. Beyond the sporting result we want to breathe the air of the Champions League." He expects the Lecce match to be difficult: "The danger is the full stadium with enthusiasm. They have high morale for the start of the season and Serie A is difficult. The condition will count a lot."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Lecce–Roma on 31 August 2026, addressing the signing of Marten de Roon from Atalanta and the club's remaining transfer business. De Roon's arrival came together rapidly over 24–48 hours after he fell out of Atalanta's plans following many years at the club. "He wanted to come to Roma very strongly," Gasperini said. "For us it is an opportunity that allows us to give El Aynaoui the chance to have another experience. Economically it is very important because it gives us the opportunity to bring interest into another role." The move also allows Roma to add depth to their defence with another captain alongside new arrival Balerdi, while the physical strength these signings bring will help compensate for having too many Argentine players in the squad, Gasperini added. Gasperini reported that only Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch are unavailable, with Rensch expected to rejoin the group on Tuesday and Pellegrini returning next week. He confirmed Roma still need to complete their squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday with a left-sided defender and an attacking winger. "We have always looked for a left-back and an outside attacker," he said. "If we can take two we would be 21 in the squad plus the goalkeepers." He noted that Matías Soulé can play on the left if needed, having done so under former manager Claudio Ranieri, but he prefers the Argentine higher up the pitch. Roma's financial restrictions under Financial Fair Play rules have prevented them from matching certain contract offers from rivals, though Gasperini praised the spirit of those who joined despite lower wages: "The level of contracts could not exceed a certain ceiling. We must thank all those who came back specifically to play for Roma, and this is a great spirit, and you do not buy it in the market." On the Champions League draw and upcoming fixtures, Gasperini said: "I believe they are all prestige matches; we have drawn a good group. We will go away in hot and difficult stadiums. This is the Champions League. The objective is to stay inside the play-offs. Beyond the sporting result, it will be nice to breathe the air of the Champions League, to play in extraordinary stadiums, with Real Madrid. I believe it will enrich the squad greatly." He defended the De Roon transfer against potential fan concerns: "When you know him he is a solid person. I explained how the operation was born, and it gives us the chance to have a valuable player. It is not a prospect, but it gives us the opportunity to concentrate our efforts in another role." Regarding Nahuel Molina's fitness, Gasperini said the defender "is better, he had a good week of training. He played the World Cup final, it is just a question of finding some condition. Tomorrow he will be part of the match, I do not know if at the start or during the game." The window closes on Tuesday; once it does, Gasperini said, "finally we can talk about football."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 30 August ahead of Roma's trip to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 in Serie A's second round. The head coach confirmed that Marten de Roon has joined Roma from Atalanta and praised the midfielder's arrival alongside defender Balerdi, saying: "With him and Balerdi are arrived two captains, we give a turn both physical and of personality, we need that beyond talent." De Roon, who arrived within the last 24–48 hours, will allow Neil El Aynaoui to seek a more gratifying experience elsewhere. Gasperini stressed the squad's improved robustness: "We have more solutions and better solidity. Honestly I look at my squad and I am very happy with who arrived, we can give continuity and improve the results of last year." Gasperini acknowledged Roma remain short in specific positions. The club must still sign a left-back and an attacking winger to complete the squad for a demanding fixture schedule and to cover injury absences. He confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch are recovering from injury — Rensch returning to group training on Tuesday and Pellegrini from next week — and that all other players are available for the Lecce match. On Matías Soulé, heavily linked with a departure this summer, Gasperini said: "I respect everything and read everything, but of Soulé I have never known of a proposal, there was never one all summer, for him as for other players chattered about. Soulé probably plays tomorrow. Those that are the news, I don't go behind these. There was never a proposal." Gasperini addressed Roma's Financial Fair Play constraints and the squad's character. "Roma suffered the discourse of FFP and had to lower the payroll and certain players we aspired to be stronger we could not reach them. The society was available. The level of contracts could not exceed a certain ceiling. We must thank all those who came back to play in Roma, this is a great spirit you form inside, and under this aspect we are among the very first, if not the very first." He confirmed Nahuel Molina will play against Lecce, either from the start or during the match, after playing in the World Cup final and needing to regain match fitness. On De Roon's past controversial comments about Roma, Gasperini noted: "It is normal when you are opponents. When you know him you will understand he is a very solid person, physically intact. He is a player of value, not of prospect." The transfer window closes on Tuesday 2 September. Gasperini expressed frustration that the market remains open during the season and reiterated his wish for one or preferably two further signings — a left-back and a left-sided forward. "If we manage to take two we are 21, if we take one we will be 20. It is not a numerous squad." On Roma's Champions League group, drawn on 27 August, he said: "It is a nice group with matches of great prestige, we will go to play in very difficult stadiums. This is the Champions. Reaching the top eight is hard for everyone, the objective is to stay inside the playoffs."

Marten de Roon has arrived in Rome to complete his transfer from Atalanta on 30 August 2026. The 1991-born Dutch midfielder communicated his wish to join Roma to Atalanta late on 29 August, and the two clubs agreed a deal worth 1 million euros. De Roon will reunite with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and join fellow Dutch players Devyne Rensch and Donyell Malen in the squad, as well as gain access to Champions League football. De Roon considered his time at Atalanta finished and had been in talks with Bologna before Gasperini moved decisively for him. The move became possible after Roma secured the departure of Neil El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig. Speaking at Atalanta's training ground that morning, de Roon said: "For me it is a sad and difficult day, even though I should be happy. I spoke to Gasperini, it was all a bit of a lightning bolt. He wanted me strongly at Roma, and given how things were here it was the right solution." Medical examinations and contract signing were scheduled to follow his midday arrival at Fiumicino airport.

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Lecce–Roma on 31 August 2026, addressing the signing of Marten de Roon from Atalanta and the club's remaining transfer business. De Roon's arrival came together rapidly over 24–48 hours after he fell out of Atalanta's plans following many years at the club. "He wanted to come to Roma very strongly," Gasperini said. "For us it is an opportunity that allows us to give El Aynaoui the chance to have another experience. Economically it is very important because it gives us the opportunity to bring interest into another role." The move also allows Roma to add depth to their defence with another captain alongside new arrival Balerdi, while the physical strength these signings bring will help compensate for having too many Argentine players in the squad, Gasperini added. Gasperini reported that only Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch are unavailable, with Rensch expected to rejoin the group on Tuesday and Pellegrini returning next week. He confirmed Roma still need to complete their squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday with a left-sided defender and an attacking winger. "We have always looked for a left-back and an outside attacker," he said. "If we can take two we would be 21 in the squad plus the goalkeepers." He noted that Matías Soulé can play on the left if needed, having done so under former manager Claudio Ranieri, but he prefers the Argentine higher up the pitch. Roma's financial restrictions under Financial Fair Play rules have prevented them from matching certain contract offers from rivals, though Gasperini praised the spirit of those who joined despite lower wages: "The level of contracts could not exceed a certain ceiling. We must thank all those who came back specifically to play for Roma, and this is a great spirit, and you do not buy it in the market." On the Champions League draw and upcoming fixtures, Gasperini said: "I believe they are all prestige matches; we have drawn a good group. We will go away in hot and difficult stadiums. This is the Champions League. The objective is to stay inside the play-offs. Beyond the sporting result, it will be nice to breathe the air of the Champions League, to play in extraordinary stadiums, with Real Madrid. I believe it will enrich the squad greatly." He defended the De Roon transfer against potential fan concerns: "When you know him he is a solid person. I explained how the operation was born, and it gives us the chance to have a valuable player. It is not a prospect, but it gives us the opportunity to concentrate our efforts in another role." Regarding Nahuel Molina's fitness, Gasperini said the defender "is better, he had a good week of training. He played the World Cup final, it is just a question of finding some condition. Tomorrow he will be part of the match, I do not know if at the start or during the game." The window closes on Tuesday; once it does, Gasperini said, "finally we can talk about football."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 30 August ahead of Roma's trip to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 in Serie A's second round. The head coach confirmed that Marten de Roon has joined Roma from Atalanta and praised the midfielder's arrival alongside defender Balerdi, saying: "With him and Balerdi are arrived two captains, we give a turn both physical and of personality, we need that beyond talent." De Roon, who arrived within the last 24–48 hours, will allow Neil El Aynaoui to seek a more gratifying experience elsewhere. Gasperini stressed the squad's improved robustness: "We have more solutions and better solidity. Honestly I look at my squad and I am very happy with who arrived, we can give continuity and improve the results of last year." Gasperini acknowledged Roma remain short in specific positions. The club must still sign a left-back and an attacking winger to complete the squad for a demanding fixture schedule and to cover injury absences. He confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch are recovering from injury — Rensch returning to group training on Tuesday and Pellegrini from next week — and that all other players are available for the Lecce match. On Matías Soulé, heavily linked with a departure this summer, Gasperini said: "I respect everything and read everything, but of Soulé I have never known of a proposal, there was never one all summer, for him as for other players chattered about. Soulé probably plays tomorrow. Those that are the news, I don't go behind these. There was never a proposal." Gasperini addressed Roma's Financial Fair Play constraints and the squad's character. "Roma suffered the discourse of FFP and had to lower the payroll and certain players we aspired to be stronger we could not reach them. The society was available. The level of contracts could not exceed a certain ceiling. We must thank all those who came back to play in Roma, this is a great spirit you form inside, and under this aspect we are among the very first, if not the very first." He confirmed Nahuel Molina will play against Lecce, either from the start or during the match, after playing in the World Cup final and needing to regain match fitness. On De Roon's past controversial comments about Roma, Gasperini noted: "It is normal when you are opponents. When you know him you will understand he is a very solid person, physically intact. He is a player of value, not of prospect." The transfer window closes on Tuesday 2 September. Gasperini expressed frustration that the market remains open during the season and reiterated his wish for one or preferably two further signings — a left-back and a left-sided forward. "If we manage to take two we are 21, if we take one we will be 20. It is not a numerous squad." On Roma's Champions League group, drawn on 27 August, he said: "It is a nice group with matches of great prestige, we will go to play in very difficult stadiums. This is the Champions. Reaching the top eight is hard for everyone, the objective is to stay inside the playoffs."

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the media on 30 August ahead of tomorrow's Serie A match at Lecce (18:30 kickoff, matchday 2). Roma are chasing back-to-back wins after a 4–0 victory over Fiorentina at the Olimpico. Gasperini confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch remain sidelined, though he expects both to return to the squad by Tuesday—Pellegrini's return on the day the summer transfer window closes. The coach explained the recent signings of Marten de Roon and Nicolás Balerdi as moves designed to add depth and stability. De Roon's arrival came "within 24–48 hours" after the player asked to leave Atalanta and Gasperini made contact with the club's management. "De Roon is physically intact despite his age; he will enter a strong group that wants to be protagonists," Gasperini said. "Two captains have arrived and I believe that in this respect we give the squad a strong physical shift." On Balerdi, he noted: "He is young and in the best of his career. An opportunity that gives substance to the defence, which is very strong. We have a difficult fixture list and want to complete the squad more than the starting eleven to be more competitive and cope with many matches and possible injuries." Gasperini acknowledged that Roma need further additions. He stated: "To complete we need at least one piece that closes the left side. Lulli is giving important responses but cannot be loaded with responsibility." On the possibility of signing a second forward, he said: "For the complete picture we could think of doing one in attack." The coach defended recent acquisitions from criticism, saying: "When you get to know him you will understand that he is a solid person," referring to De Roon. He also addressed links away for Matías Soulé, stating: "I have never heard of a proposal for Soulé, so there has never been one as with other chatted-about players. Tomorrow he will probably play." Gasperini criticised the fixture calendar, saying: "Finalmente Tuesday the market closes and I continue to say that the market dates are wrong. I do not know why we continue with the championship already started." On Roma's Champions League draw—which includes Manchester, Paris, and Athens—Gasperini said: "This is the Champions League, it is a nice group. The first eight are very difficult but the objective is to stay in the play-offs among the 24. Beyond the sporting result we want to breathe the air of the Champions League." He expects the Lecce match to be difficult: "The danger is the full stadium with enthusiasm. They have high morale for the start of the season and Serie A is difficult. The condition will count a lot."

Gian Piero Gasperini held a pre-match press conference ahead of Lecce–Roma on 31 August 2026, addressing the signing of Marten de Roon from Atalanta and the club's remaining transfer business. De Roon's arrival came together rapidly over 24–48 hours after he fell out of Atalanta's plans following many years at the club. "He wanted to come to Roma very strongly," Gasperini said. "For us it is an opportunity that allows us to give El Aynaoui the chance to have another experience. Economically it is very important because it gives us the opportunity to bring interest into another role." The move also allows Roma to add depth to their defence with another captain alongside new arrival Balerdi, while the physical strength these signings bring will help compensate for having too many Argentine players in the squad, Gasperini added. Gasperini reported that only Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch are unavailable, with Rensch expected to rejoin the group on Tuesday and Pellegrini returning next week. He confirmed Roma still need to complete their squad before the transfer window closes on Tuesday with a left-sided defender and an attacking winger. "We have always looked for a left-back and an outside attacker," he said. "If we can take two we would be 21 in the squad plus the goalkeepers." He noted that Matías Soulé can play on the left if needed, having done so under former manager Claudio Ranieri, but he prefers the Argentine higher up the pitch. Roma's financial restrictions under Financial Fair Play rules have prevented them from matching certain contract offers from rivals, though Gasperini praised the spirit of those who joined despite lower wages: "The level of contracts could not exceed a certain ceiling. We must thank all those who came back specifically to play for Roma, and this is a great spirit, and you do not buy it in the market." On the Champions League draw and upcoming fixtures, Gasperini said: "I believe they are all prestige matches; we have drawn a good group. We will go away in hot and difficult stadiums. This is the Champions League. The objective is to stay inside the play-offs. Beyond the sporting result, it will be nice to breathe the air of the Champions League, to play in extraordinary stadiums, with Real Madrid. I believe it will enrich the squad greatly." He defended the De Roon transfer against potential fan concerns: "When you know him he is a solid person. I explained how the operation was born, and it gives us the chance to have a valuable player. It is not a prospect, but it gives us the opportunity to concentrate our efforts in another role." Regarding Nahuel Molina's fitness, Gasperini said the defender "is better, he had a good week of training. He played the World Cup final, it is just a question of finding some condition. Tomorrow he will be part of the match, I do not know if at the start or during the game." The window closes on Tuesday; once it does, Gasperini said, "finally we can talk about football."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 30 August ahead of Roma's trip to Lecce on 31 August at 18:30 in Serie A's second round. The head coach confirmed that Marten de Roon has joined Roma from Atalanta and praised the midfielder's arrival alongside defender Balerdi, saying: "With him and Balerdi are arrived two captains, we give a turn both physical and of personality, we need that beyond talent." De Roon, who arrived within the last 24–48 hours, will allow Neil El Aynaoui to seek a more gratifying experience elsewhere. Gasperini stressed the squad's improved robustness: "We have more solutions and better solidity. Honestly I look at my squad and I am very happy with who arrived, we can give continuity and improve the results of last year." Gasperini acknowledged Roma remain short in specific positions. The club must still sign a left-back and an attacking winger to complete the squad for a demanding fixture schedule and to cover injury absences. He confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch are recovering from injury — Rensch returning to group training on Tuesday and Pellegrini from next week — and that all other players are available for the Lecce match. On Matías Soulé, heavily linked with a departure this summer, Gasperini said: "I respect everything and read everything, but of Soulé I have never known of a proposal, there was never one all summer, for him as for other players chattered about. Soulé probably plays tomorrow. Those that are the news, I don't go behind these. There was never a proposal." Gasperini addressed Roma's Financial Fair Play constraints and the squad's character. "Roma suffered the discourse of FFP and had to lower the payroll and certain players we aspired to be stronger we could not reach them. The society was available. The level of contracts could not exceed a certain ceiling. We must thank all those who came back to play in Roma, this is a great spirit you form inside, and under this aspect we are among the very first, if not the very first." He confirmed Nahuel Molina will play against Lecce, either from the start or during the match, after playing in the World Cup final and needing to regain match fitness. On De Roon's past controversial comments about Roma, Gasperini noted: "It is normal when you are opponents. When you know him you will understand he is a very solid person, physically intact. He is a player of value, not of prospect." The transfer window closes on Tuesday 2 September. Gasperini expressed frustration that the market remains open during the season and reiterated his wish for one or preferably two further signings — a left-back and a left-sided forward. "If we manage to take two we are 21, if we take one we will be 20. It is not a numerous squad." On Roma's Champions League group, drawn on 27 August, he said: "It is a nice group with matches of great prestige, we will go to play in very difficult stadiums. This is the Champions. Reaching the top eight is hard for everyone, the objective is to stay inside the playoffs."

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the media on 30 August ahead of tomorrow's Serie A match at Lecce (18:30 kickoff, matchday 2). Roma are chasing back-to-back wins after a 4–0 victory over Fiorentina at the Olimpico. Gasperini confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch remain sidelined, though he expects both to return to the squad by Tuesday—Pellegrini's return on the day the summer transfer window closes. The coach explained the recent signings of Marten de Roon and Nicolás Balerdi as moves designed to add depth and stability. De Roon's arrival came "within 24–48 hours" after the player asked to leave Atalanta and Gasperini made contact with the club's management. "De Roon is physically intact despite his age; he will enter a strong group that wants to be protagonists," Gasperini said. "Two captains have arrived and I believe that in this respect we give the squad a strong physical shift." On Balerdi, he noted: "He is young and in the best of his career. An opportunity that gives substance to the defence, which is very strong. We have a difficult fixture list and want to complete the squad more than the starting eleven to be more competitive and cope with many matches and possible injuries." Gasperini acknowledged that Roma need further additions. He stated: "To complete we need at least one piece that closes the left side. Lulli is giving important responses but cannot be loaded with responsibility." On the possibility of signing a second forward, he said: "For the complete picture we could think of doing one in attack." The coach defended recent acquisitions from criticism, saying: "When you get to know him you will understand that he is a solid person," referring to De Roon. He also addressed links away for Matías Soulé, stating: "I have never heard of a proposal for Soulé, so there has never been one as with other chatted-about players. Tomorrow he will probably play." Gasperini criticised the fixture calendar, saying: "Finalmente Tuesday the market closes and I continue to say that the market dates are wrong. I do not know why we continue with the championship already started." On Roma's Champions League draw—which includes Manchester, Paris, and Athens—Gasperini said: "This is the Champions League, it is a nice group. The first eight are very difficult but the objective is to stay in the play-offs among the 24. Beyond the sporting result we want to breathe the air of the Champions League." He expects the Lecce match to be difficult: "The danger is the full stadium with enthusiasm. They have high morale for the start of the season and Serie A is difficult. The condition will count a lot."