Gian Piero Gasperini has previewed Roma's Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava at a press conference on the eve of the fixture, insisting his side will not underestimate the opponents. Roma are chasing their first win in the Champions League after a draw with Fenerbahçe and a heavy defeat to Real Madrid, and Gasperini wants his team to bring the energy and efficiency shown in Serie A into European football.
Gasperini described Slovan Bratislava as a dynamic side with good physical preparation and some excellent players. He said: "They are a dynamic team, who are well prepared athletically. They have some excellent players. In the Champions League they are not among the top seeds, but all the matches in this competition are difficult. We will not underestimate the opponent because we need to win to keep our chances of going through alive."
On whether Castro and Malen could play together, Gasperini said: "Castro scored a great goal the other night. In terms of characteristics this could be the match to see them together, but I don't know whether from the start or during the game. I don't want to upset the geometry and patterns of a team that is scoring and creating plenty, just to make them play together. There is a unit that works, with different characteristics, so it's fine as it is. I don't need to look for other solutions. But it may be that this is the kind of match that lends itself to it."
Asked about Lorenzo Pellegrini in midfield and whether Mario Hermoso could play there, Gasperini said: "That was an emergency situation with Mario. Lorenzo wasn't available, nor was de Roon. I hope Hermoso stays where he is and that this possibility doesn't arise. We have Pisilli and de Roon, who has played three matches in a week. Then there is Lorenzo, who can play more advanced or deeper in midfield while we wait to get Cristante back, who we hope will be available at least against Napoli."
On the points target for qualifying for the play-offs, Gasperini said: "It has always been around 10 points. To get them we need to win our home matches, starting tomorrow. Then we have the chance to do it away too, although all those grounds are difficult."
Gasperini gave an update on Paulo Dybala: "We hoped his recovery would be quicker, but yesterday's latest scan showed a tear, although minor, which will make the recovery longer. I think it will take a couple of weeks more."
On the squad depth he spoke of before the Genoa match, Gasperini said: "I have never had doubts about the players we have. The issue is linked only to the congested schedule and the depth of the squad. Everyone has my trust. Apart from those out through injury or suspension, against Genoa I also took off other players to give minutes to those who had played less. Getting a result was difficult, it is never easy in Serie A."
On Lulli, Gasperini said: "I had already noticed him last year and I had brought him into first-team training. He has athletic characteristics of a high level. Players strike you when they have characteristics above average. His endurance and his speed have always been of absolute quality compared with the average and with Serie A. He is a humble lad who wants to grow and improve. He must work on the technical and tactical side. He has many things to grow in, but he has above-average characteristics."
On Gollini and Mora, Gasperini said: "Gollini has always been an excellent goalkeeper. We had played the Champions League together. Over his career he lacked a little maturity, which he has reached now at a more mature age. He always had excellent qualities but perhaps didn't have the same desire to improve and apply himself that he has now. Mora? He has always been in the rotation. When he has been available he has always played. He has a particular physique, he is small but also very young. He has talent that shows immediately. We need to help him grow. He needs to fill out a little, but technically and qualitatively he is of a high level."
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Roma host Slovan Bratislava at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday at 21:00 in the third league-phase matchday of the Champions League, and all outlets agree the Giallorossi need a win after taking one point from their first two matches, a draw with Fenerbahçe and a defeat to Real Madrid. Slovan are coached by Yaya Touré. Gasperini, speaking at Trigoria, warned against underestimating them, calling them a dynamic, athletically well-prepared side. Roma News adds that Slovan have lost 5-1 to PSG and 3-0 at home to Stuttgart. Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante remain out.
Retesport, citing Sky Sport, expects Gasperini to make several changes for a 3-4-2-1, with Mancini, Hermoso and N'Dicka in defence, Molina and Wesley on the flanks, De Roon and Pisilli in midfield, and Soulé and Pellegrini supporting Malen. Roma News says Malen returns after serving a league suspension. Gasperini said Castro and Malen could eventually play together but did not want to disrupt a team that is scoring regularly. Dybala's status differs by outlet. Roma News reports a scan showing a minor tear that will keep him out for at least two weeks, while Forza Roma says he may be named on the bench, and La Repubblica reports he is edging closer to a return.
Gasperini also said Roma need around 10 points to reach the play-offs, and Napoli is the next fixture, with Cristante hoped to be available for that match.
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