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Gasperini rejects hierarchy talk ahead of Torino clash; Pellegrini returns to squad
·13 September 2026·2h ago

Gasperini rejects hierarchy talk ahead of Torino clash; Pellegrini returns to squad

Source: Forza Roma

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's visit to Torino, rejecting suggestions of a squad hierarchy. "Please stop talking about hierarchies, it's not fair to the players who are giving their all," he said. "It makes no sense for these players—they're all making an important contribution. Ghilardi is growing, there's Koulierakis." Emanuele Lulli will be available for selection after recovering from a virus intestinale (intestinal virus) that struck him in recent days; the 2007-born defender from Palestrina is expected to start. On Paulo Dybala's availability, Gasperini was blunt: "If he's well, he plays." The forward has been in excellent form and started in all four league matches so far this season. Lorenzo Pellegrini returns to the squad after his absence, a significant boost for Roma's midfield ahead of the trip to Turin.

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AS Roma travel to Torino on Monday 14 September at 18:30 for Serie A matchday four, seeking to build on their Champions League draw in midweek. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 13 September with significant news on squad availability: Lorenzo Pellegrini returns to the squad for the first time this season, Manu Koné has recovered from a knee problem and will be assessed, and Emanuele Lulli is available after recovering from an intestinal virus. Gasperini was unambiguous on Paulo Dybala's involvement, stating simply: "If he's well, he plays. There's no doubt." Wesley, who sustained a heavy blow to the knee in recent action, is expected to recover in time, while Nahuel Molina, who arrived on 30 or 31 August depending on the outlet, continues to integrate after missing pre-season preparation.

Gasperini repeatedly rejected questions about squad hierarchy, pushing back firmly against suggestions of a pecking order among defenders. "Please stop with this hierarchy talk, it is not fair towards the players who are giving their all," he said. "It makes no sense and has no effect on the squad. Everyone gives an important contribution." He defended recent signings Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon, emphasizing that Champions League clubs operate with multiple starter-quality players. Gasperini praised Donyell Malen's early-season form as "extraordinary" and "beyond expectations," while describing young forward Rodrigo Mora as "a player of great talent" who must improve physically and tactically, adding that no young player is "more of a protagonist" at this moment.

The full squad comprises three goalkeepers (Svilar, De Marzi, Gollini), ten defenders (Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli, Ghilardi), six midfielders (Cristante, Pellegrini, De Roon, Koné, Pisilli, Mora) and four forwards (Castro, Malen, Soulé, Dybala).

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Oggi Gian Piero Gasperini ha parlato in conferenza stampa alla vigilia di Torino-Roma: "Vi prego di smetterla col discorso delle gerarchie, non va bene nei confronti dei giocatori che stanno dando il massimo. Non ha senso per questi giocatori, stanno tutti dando un contributo importante. Sta…

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