Gasperini on De Roon, final transfer targets and Champions League draw

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."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 30 August ahead of Roma's visit to Lecce in the second round of Serie A on 31 August at 18:30. The coach defended his recruitment of de Roon from Atalanta, explaining the move came together swiftly. "It happened very quickly, within 24–48 hours," Gasperini said. "He had that situation with Atalanta, after many years he was no longer in their plans, and there was this opportunity. I got in touch with Luca Percassi and they, for all the player has done over the years, gave him the freedom to decide and we thank them. He wanted to come to Roma very strongly. It allowed us to give El Aynaoui the chance to feel more valued. It's also economically important because it lets us bring interest to another role and we fill midfield with an intact player even if he is advanced in age. But he will enter a truly strong group that wants to be a protagonist." Gasperini also addressed the arrival of Balerdi, describing both signings as adding experience and personality. He acknowledged Roma's financial constraints: "The Roma has been hit by FFP and had to lower the wage bill necessarily. Certain players we aspired to be even stronger were not possible to reach, more a matter of contracts than spending. The club was available, but we could not go beyond a certain cap. We must thank everyone who came back to play at Roma. This is a great spirit, not something you buy on the market but something you build inside, and in this respect we are among the very first if not the first." On the squad's readiness, Gasperini confirmed that only Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch were unavailable, with Rensch expected to rejoin training on Tuesday and Pellegrini the following week. He rejected suggestions that Matías Soulé could leave: "I have never heard of a single offer for Soulé, not one all summer, like for other players discussed. Tomorrow he probably plays, but there is nothing concrete. And from his side there has been nothing in this sense either." Gasperini confirmed he expects Roma to add one more attacker and a left-footed full-back before the window closes. On Nahuel Molina's fitness after playing in the World Cup final, he said: "Much better, he had a good week of training. It's a question of finding condition. Tomorrow he will be part of the match, I don't know if from the start or during play, but he is able to play." Gasperini praised Roma's Champions League draw, naming Parisian, Athenian, Istanbul and Manchester venues as tests ahead. "It's the Champions," he said. "The objective is certainly to stay inside, in the play-offs. The result will help the squad breathe Champions League air, go to these stadiums, play extraordinary matches in our stadium, like against Real. It can be a beautiful season and I think it will enrich the squad greatly, because you face the best and we must carry that inside us even in the league to do better."

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 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."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 30 August ahead of Roma's visit to Lecce in the second round of Serie A on 31 August at 18:30. The coach defended his recruitment of de Roon from Atalanta, explaining the move came together swiftly. "It happened very quickly, within 24–48 hours," Gasperini said. "He had that situation with Atalanta, after many years he was no longer in their plans, and there was this opportunity. I got in touch with Luca Percassi and they, for all the player has done over the years, gave him the freedom to decide and we thank them. He wanted to come to Roma very strongly. It allowed us to give El Aynaoui the chance to feel more valued. It's also economically important because it lets us bring interest to another role and we fill midfield with an intact player even if he is advanced in age. But he will enter a truly strong group that wants to be a protagonist." Gasperini also addressed the arrival of Balerdi, describing both signings as adding experience and personality. He acknowledged Roma's financial constraints: "The Roma has been hit by FFP and had to lower the wage bill necessarily. Certain players we aspired to be even stronger were not possible to reach, more a matter of contracts than spending. The club was available, but we could not go beyond a certain cap. We must thank everyone who came back to play at Roma. This is a great spirit, not something you buy on the market but something you build inside, and in this respect we are among the very first if not the first." On the squad's readiness, Gasperini confirmed that only Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch were unavailable, with Rensch expected to rejoin training on Tuesday and Pellegrini the following week. He rejected suggestions that Matías Soulé could leave: "I have never heard of a single offer for Soulé, not one all summer, like for other players discussed. Tomorrow he probably plays, but there is nothing concrete. And from his side there has been nothing in this sense either." Gasperini confirmed he expects Roma to add one more attacker and a left-footed full-back before the window closes. On Nahuel Molina's fitness after playing in the World Cup final, he said: "Much better, he had a good week of training. It's a question of finding condition. Tomorrow he will be part of the match, I don't know if from the start or during play, but he is able to play." Gasperini praised Roma's Champions League draw, naming Parisian, Athenian, Istanbul and Manchester venues as tests ahead. "It's the Champions," he said. "The objective is certainly to stay inside, in the play-offs. The result will help the squad breathe Champions League air, go to these stadiums, play extraordinary matches in our stadium, like against Real. It can be a beautiful season and I think it will enrich the squad greatly, because you face the best and we must carry that inside us even in the league to do better."

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 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."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 30 August ahead of Roma's visit to Lecce in the second round of Serie A on 31 August at 18:30. The coach defended his recruitment of de Roon from Atalanta, explaining the move came together swiftly. "It happened very quickly, within 24–48 hours," Gasperini said. "He had that situation with Atalanta, after many years he was no longer in their plans, and there was this opportunity. I got in touch with Luca Percassi and they, for all the player has done over the years, gave him the freedom to decide and we thank them. He wanted to come to Roma very strongly. It allowed us to give El Aynaoui the chance to feel more valued. It's also economically important because it lets us bring interest to another role and we fill midfield with an intact player even if he is advanced in age. But he will enter a truly strong group that wants to be a protagonist." Gasperini also addressed the arrival of Balerdi, describing both signings as adding experience and personality. He acknowledged Roma's financial constraints: "The Roma has been hit by FFP and had to lower the wage bill necessarily. Certain players we aspired to be even stronger were not possible to reach, more a matter of contracts than spending. The club was available, but we could not go beyond a certain cap. We must thank everyone who came back to play at Roma. This is a great spirit, not something you buy on the market but something you build inside, and in this respect we are among the very first if not the first." On the squad's readiness, Gasperini confirmed that only Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch were unavailable, with Rensch expected to rejoin training on Tuesday and Pellegrini the following week. He rejected suggestions that Matías Soulé could leave: "I have never heard of a single offer for Soulé, not one all summer, like for other players discussed. Tomorrow he probably plays, but there is nothing concrete. And from his side there has been nothing in this sense either." Gasperini confirmed he expects Roma to add one more attacker and a left-footed full-back before the window closes. On Nahuel Molina's fitness after playing in the World Cup final, he said: "Much better, he had a good week of training. It's a question of finding condition. Tomorrow he will be part of the match, I don't know if from the start or during play, but he is able to play." Gasperini praised Roma's Champions League draw, naming Parisian, Athenian, Istanbul and Manchester venues as tests ahead. "It's the Champions," he said. "The objective is certainly to stay inside, in the play-offs. The result will help the squad breathe Champions League air, go to these stadiums, play extraordinary matches in our stadium, like against Real. It can be a beautiful season and I think it will enrich the squad greatly, because you face the best and we must carry that inside us even in the league to do better."

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 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."

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 30 August ahead of Roma's visit to Lecce in the second round of Serie A on 31 August at 18:30. The coach defended his recruitment of de Roon from Atalanta, explaining the move came together swiftly. "It happened very quickly, within 24–48 hours," Gasperini said. "He had that situation with Atalanta, after many years he was no longer in their plans, and there was this opportunity. I got in touch with Luca Percassi and they, for all the player has done over the years, gave him the freedom to decide and we thank them. He wanted to come to Roma very strongly. It allowed us to give El Aynaoui the chance to feel more valued. It's also economically important because it lets us bring interest to another role and we fill midfield with an intact player even if he is advanced in age. But he will enter a truly strong group that wants to be a protagonist." Gasperini also addressed the arrival of Balerdi, describing both signings as adding experience and personality. He acknowledged Roma's financial constraints: "The Roma has been hit by FFP and had to lower the wage bill necessarily. Certain players we aspired to be even stronger were not possible to reach, more a matter of contracts than spending. The club was available, but we could not go beyond a certain cap. We must thank everyone who came back to play at Roma. This is a great spirit, not something you buy on the market but something you build inside, and in this respect we are among the very first if not the first." On the squad's readiness, Gasperini confirmed that only Lorenzo Pellegrini and Devyne Rensch were unavailable, with Rensch expected to rejoin training on Tuesday and Pellegrini the following week. He rejected suggestions that Matías Soulé could leave: "I have never heard of a single offer for Soulé, not one all summer, like for other players discussed. Tomorrow he probably plays, but there is nothing concrete. And from his side there has been nothing in this sense either." Gasperini confirmed he expects Roma to add one more attacker and a left-footed full-back before the window closes. On Nahuel Molina's fitness after playing in the World Cup final, he said: "Much better, he had a good week of training. It's a question of finding condition. Tomorrow he will be part of the match, I don't know if from the start or during play, but he is able to play." Gasperini praised Roma's Champions League draw, naming Parisian, Athenian, Istanbul and Manchester venues as tests ahead. "It's the Champions," he said. "The objective is certainly to stay inside, in the play-offs. The result will help the squad breathe Champions League air, go to these stadiums, play extraordinary matches in our stadium, like against Real. It can be a beautiful season and I think it will enrich the squad greatly, because you face the best and we must carry that inside us even in the league to do better."

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."