Gasperini: Roma numerically short, but two squad slots remain to fill

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed confidence in Paulo Dybala ahead of the 2026–27 season, praising the Argentine forward's condition after a full pre-season without injury. Gasperini said: "I see him very strong and at the peak of his maturity." The coach also noted that Dybala's form last season showed the same determination he displays now, adding: "He did not suffer any injuries, but you always keep your fingers crossed." Dybala joined Roma on a free transfer from Juventus in July 2022 and remains central to Gasperini's plans. The coach expressed optimism about Dybala's prospects in the campaign ahead, stating: "He will have a great season." Gasperini's remarks came as Roma navigate their squad development, with the club having been forced to adjust transfer targets during the summer window.

Paulo Dybala has impressed throughout the summer pre-season, completing his most injury-free preparation since arriving at Roma. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini offered strong backing for the Argentine ahead of the season-opener against Fiorentina in two days, though he acknowledged a degree of caution given Dybala's injury history. "I see him not only determined as he was last year, but also particularly strong," Gasperini said in his pre-match press conference. "He has done a preparation that perhaps he has not been able to complete for some time, without injuries. Obviously you always cross your fingers." Gasperini reflected on last season's misfortune, recalling two serious setbacks that derailed Dybala's campaign. "Last year he was very unlucky," the coach noted. "I remember two injuries—kicking a penalty in Milan and a free kick against Torino. Two extreme cases; in one he tore a meniscus and was out for three and a half months. Muscularly he seems much more toned." The 32-year-old may have lost some of the pace and shot power of his younger years, but Gasperini believes he has developed other qualities. "He is still relatively young; at 32 you are in the prime of your technical and physical maturity. I think he will have a great season, hoping that anomalies like last year do not happen." Matías Soulé, the other Argentine on Roma's attacking midfield, also drew Gasperini's praise after a difficult spell. The former Frosinone player arrived in pre-season overweight and still recovering from pubic bone problems but has made a strong recovery. "Last year he had a great first half of the season, then suffered pubalgia," Gasperini said. "In the retreat he was quite stationary, trying to treat this problem. He arrived quite overweight and not completely recovered. However, during preparation he was excellent, exceptional. Now he is in excellent condition and produced good pre-season performances, recovering perfectly physically and athletically. On this front I believe he is absolutely recovered to the level of the first part of last season."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has explained the challenges Roma faced in the summer transfer window, citing constraints imposed by the wage bill ceiling. Gasperini said: "We started with very high-profile targets, but we came up against the need for a wage cap ceiling. But we have good variety." The coach acknowledged that Roma's initial ambitions for the market had to be adjusted, though he expressed satisfaction with the squad's composition despite the financial restrictions. The wage structure imposed limits on Roma's ability to pursue their original transfer targets this summer. Gasperini stressed the importance of adapting strategy while maintaining squad depth across multiple positions, suggesting that the final roster, though different from the pre-window plan, offered sufficient options for the 2026–27 campaign.