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Gasperini plans to utilise a squad of twenty as he accelerates integration of Castro, Mora and Koulierakis
·22 September 2026·45d ago

Gasperini plans to utilise a squad of twenty as he accelerates integration of Castro, Mora and Koulierakis

Source: Forza Roma

Gian Piero Gasperini is targeting the development of a twenty-player squad that can compete at Roma's level, with particular focus on integrating Santiago Castro, Rodrigo Mora and Konstantinos Koulierakis into regular first-team action. The three players represent investments exceeding one hundred million euros by the club, and Gasperini's dual objective is to incorporate them into the side as soon as possible while simultaneously showcasing their qualities. The international break offers limited opportunity for work on this project owing to the demands of national team commitments.

Of the trio, Mora has made the most progress in Roma's six matches to date, having started in the opening fixtures against Fiorentina and Atalanta. He has accumulated 187 minutes across five appearances, averaging 37.4 minutes per game. Castro has featured in four matches totalling 105 minutes at an average of 26.25 per appearance, whilst Koulierakis has been used sparingly—just 31 minutes across two matches at an average of 15.5 minutes. Gasperini remains convinced their moment will arrive, with opportunities to start matches and demonstrate their respective capabilities.

Castro in particular has endured misfortune, striking the woodwork four times in his early Roma outings. Gasperini expects the forward will eventually inherit the responsibilities currently carried by Donyell Malen, who will inevitably require rest periods as the campaign progresses.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“In venti. E allora ci sarà da lavorarci su, anche se poi di possibilità in questa sosta ce ne saranno poche a causa dei tanti impegni delle varie nazionali. Ma per arrivare a "giocare in venti", appunto, Gian Piero Gasperini dovrà far crescere soprattutto i nuovi, quelli che per un verso o per un…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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