Gasperini on Napoli clash and Cristante's versatility

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to the press ahead of Napoli v Roma, a big match in the eighth round of Serie A at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, saying that a victory in Naples would be a major boost for his side. Roma come into the game on the back of a week full of satisfaction, performances and results, and the coach has also had to deal with the loss of Lorenzo Pellegrini while welcoming back Bryan Cristante. Gasperini stressed the importance of Cristante's return to the squad. He explained that Roma have often had to field the same players in that department, so the midfielder's availability is significant both for his quality and for his form in this campaign. Gasperini also highlighted the tactical flexibility Cristante gives the team, as he can play in the deep midfield role but can also drop into the back two, allowing another player to push forward. The coach added that this gives Roma variations to use during the match. Asked how much a game like this could shape the season, Gasperini said: "It's a bit early for definitive judgements, but it's undoubtedly true that if we win today in Naples, it would be a further step in terms of awareness and strength, and in that respect it would be a great boost, undoubtedly." He also described the fixture as a high-level clash: "It's a match of quality, Napoli-Roma. A game with many important players on the pitch, two of the best teams in our league, so it's a very important match." Gasperini was speaking both before the game and after the final whistle.

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to Dazn ahead of Roma's match against Napoli, praising Bryan Cristante's return as an important boost for the squad. Roma have lost Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Gasperini says Cristante's value to the team is significant. Gasperini described the fixture as a match between sides of quality, adding: "Napoli-Roma is a match between teams of quality. They are two of the best in the league, it is an important game." Cristante is a key return, and the coach explained the reasoning behind his impact on the side. Gasperini said: "Yes, because in that area we have often played with the same men. His value is important. It makes the team more versatile, we can play him in the deeper midfield role. It gives us the chance to have variations." Asked how much the match could shape the season, he said: "It is difficult to say now, but if we win today it is a further step in awareness. It would be a great boost."

Napoli defender Benoît Badiashile has spoken to Dazn ahead of the club's match against Roma, praising Roma forward Donyell Malen and saying Napoli will need to work as a unit to stop him. Asked how he is settling in, Badiashile said: "I'm happy to be here. At the start it was tough, but now I feel good." On how to deal with Malen, a player he knows well, Badiashile said: "I played against him when he was at Aston Villa, he is really strong. We will have to work as a team to stop him." The comments come before a meeting between Napoli and Roma, with Malen one of the attacking threats Napoli have identified ahead of kick-off. Badiashile's remarks focus on the collective defensive effort required rather than any individual plan.

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to the press ahead of Napoli v Roma, a big match in the eighth round of Serie A at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, saying that a victory in Naples would be a major boost for his side. Roma come into the game on the back of a week full of satisfaction, performances and results, and the coach has also had to deal with the loss of Lorenzo Pellegrini while welcoming back Bryan Cristante. Gasperini stressed the importance of Cristante's return to the squad. He explained that Roma have often had to field the same players in that department, so the midfielder's availability is significant both for his quality and for his form in this campaign. Gasperini also highlighted the tactical flexibility Cristante gives the team, as he can play in the deep midfield role but can also drop into the back two, allowing another player to push forward. The coach added that this gives Roma variations to use during the match. Asked how much a game like this could shape the season, Gasperini said: "It's a bit early for definitive judgements, but it's undoubtedly true that if we win today in Naples, it would be a further step in terms of awareness and strength, and in that respect it would be a great boost, undoubtedly." He also described the fixture as a high-level clash: "It's a match of quality, Napoli-Roma. A game with many important players on the pitch, two of the best teams in our league, so it's a very important match." Gasperini was speaking both before the game and after the final whistle.

Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to Dazn ahead of Roma's match against Napoli, praising Bryan Cristante's return as an important boost for the squad. Roma have lost Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Gasperini says Cristante's value to the team is significant. Gasperini described the fixture as a match between sides of quality, adding: "Napoli-Roma is a match between teams of quality. They are two of the best in the league, it is an important game." Cristante is a key return, and the coach explained the reasoning behind his impact on the side. Gasperini said: "Yes, because in that area we have often played with the same men. His value is important. It makes the team more versatile, we can play him in the deeper midfield role. It gives us the chance to have variations." Asked how much the match could shape the season, he said: "It is difficult to say now, but if we win today it is a further step in awareness. It would be a great boost."

Roma head to Napoli with their unbeaten Serie A run intact and aim to keep it going today. Gian Piero Gasperini has settled on his line-up for the clash with Antonio Allegri's side, who need a response after a heavy defeat at Venezia. Roma's starting XI is Gollini; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Rensch, de Roon, Pisilli, Wesley; Cristante; Soulé, Malen. Cristante plays further forward, alongside Soulé behind Malen. Napoli line up Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Badiashile, Marín, Olivera; Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Politano, Hojlund, Lang, in a 4-3-3. Roma's bench includes Vasquez, De Marzi, Lulli, Koulierakis, Molina, Balerdi, Ghilardi, Di Nunzio, Mora, Castro and Camara. Napoli's bench features Meret, Contini, Beukema, Gilmour, Giovane, Lobotka, Lucca, Marianucci, Rrahmani, Spinazzola and Vergara.