Gasperini surprised by Cagliari and Frosinone; reveals Dybala chose to stay at Roma

Gian Piero Gasperini has reflected on his opening year as Roma head coach, emphasizing the importance of continuity and the contribution of Paulo Dybala to the club's ambitions. In an interview with La Stampa, Gasperini addressed his methods, the squad's defensive solidity and the competitive balance of Serie A after five fixtures. Asked about his impact at Roma beyond tactics alone, Gasperini said: "As in all situations, I believe the secret is to work well, with professionalism, and then have good players available, excellent people, a fine club and an enthusiastic environment. It is a bit like when you work in vineyards: you must have all these components at your disposal." On how a strong defence is built, he added: "It depends; sometimes these are characteristics unique to teams. There are seasons when offensive play prevails. But ultimately, when you play at the top level, the formations rewarded are those capable of defending and attacking." When asked directly whether he personally persuaded Dybala to remain at Roma, Gasperini stated: "I certainly believed that Dybala, as a great champion, had to remain absolutely at Roma. But the most important will was his own, united with that of the club and the entire environment." On the wider Serie A landscape, Gasperini noted that after five matches it remains early to draw firm conclusions, but described the campaign as likely to be very balanced. He identified Cagliari and Frosinone as the sides that have impressed him most in the opening rounds. On his broader philosophy, Gasperini emphasized that paths forward are never straight: "There are always cycles, you go high, then you go down. And it is precisely in those moments that you must have the strength to restart and to believe."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has given an account of his first year in charge at Roma in an interview with La Stampa, expressing confidence in the club's current trajectory while cautioning against complacency. Gasperini described his tenure as "an intense first year, with the conviction that the path we have taken is the right one but also with the awareness that we cannot stop here." Gasperini emphasised the need for sustained progress and resilience through inevitable fluctuations. "This is a beautiful period," he said. "But we know very well that we must move forward with continuity, always with great passion and determination. The paths are never straight: there are always cycles, you go up, then you come down. And it is precisely in those moments that you must have the strength to restart and to believe." He stressed that building an important project requires multiple components working in concert: good coaching, quality players, strong staff, and an enthusiastic environment. Gasperini used a vineyard metaphor to illustrate this philosophy of holistic development. "It is a bit like when you work in the vineyards: you must have all these components at your disposal," he explained. His remarks reflect a focus on the personality the squad has developed and the collective effort required to sustain Roma's performance trajectory.

Gian Piero Gasperini has called for greater proximity between the Friedkin family ownership and the club's day-to-day operations, drawing a contrast with his previous experience at Atalanta under the Percassi family, who maintained constant on-field contact. While reaffirming his perception of the American owners' support and esteem, Gasperini has made clear his desire to see them more closely involved in the squad's affairs. He cited two decisive moments when the Friedkins' physical presence shifted outcomes: Ryan Friedkin's presence in Rome in January unlocked the deal that brought Donyell Malen to the club, and Dan Friedkin's backing secured the push needed in the closing stages of last season to clinch Champions League qualification. The appointment of new chief executive John Galantic is intended to bridge this gap and reconnect ownership with the everyday needs of the city and the training ground. On the transfer front, Gasperini has firmly ruled out any possibility of selling Manu Koné. The prospect of his departure in the final stages of the summer window was never practically viable because the club could not source an adequate replacement in the limited time available. Gasperini expressed strong satisfaction with the Frenchman's stay, confirming that the player has all the qualities to continue raising his technical and economic value within Roma's framework. From the medical department, Gasperini categorically denied reports of a collateral ligament problem affecting Bryan Cristante, leaving open the possibility of his inclusion in the Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. The coaching staff remains highly attentive to managing the attacking resources, with the performances and composure of Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen identified as the certainties to lean on for the rest of the season. Gasperini also paid tribute to José Mourinho, describing him as a "special" coach who left a profound mark on the club through European triumphs during his time in Rome.

Gian Piero Gasperini has reflected on his opening year as Roma head coach, emphasizing the importance of continuity and the contribution of Paulo Dybala to the club's ambitions. In an interview with La Stampa, Gasperini addressed his methods, the squad's defensive solidity and the competitive balance of Serie A after five fixtures. Asked about his impact at Roma beyond tactics alone, Gasperini said: "As in all situations, I believe the secret is to work well, with professionalism, and then have good players available, excellent people, a fine club and an enthusiastic environment. It is a bit like when you work in vineyards: you must have all these components at your disposal." On how a strong defence is built, he added: "It depends; sometimes these are characteristics unique to teams. There are seasons when offensive play prevails. But ultimately, when you play at the top level, the formations rewarded are those capable of defending and attacking." When asked directly whether he personally persuaded Dybala to remain at Roma, Gasperini stated: "I certainly believed that Dybala, as a great champion, had to remain absolutely at Roma. But the most important will was his own, united with that of the club and the entire environment." On the wider Serie A landscape, Gasperini noted that after five matches it remains early to draw firm conclusions, but described the campaign as likely to be very balanced. He identified Cagliari and Frosinone as the sides that have impressed him most in the opening rounds. On his broader philosophy, Gasperini emphasized that paths forward are never straight: "There are always cycles, you go high, then you go down. And it is precisely in those moments that you must have the strength to restart and to believe."

Roma travel to Como for a Serie A encounter on Sunday at 12:30 for matchday six, immediately after the international break. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation with Mile Svilar in goal, a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Leonardo Balerdi and Mario Hermoso, Nahuel Molina and Wesley on the flanks, and Marten de Roon and Manu Koné in midfield. Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini are set to operate in the attacking third, with Donyell Malen leading the line. Competition for places remains open in several positions: Evan N'Dicka and Balerdi are competing for the third centre-back slot, while Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are battling for a spot in the advanced midfield alongside Pellegrini. The selection is being shaped by ongoing injury concerns across the squad. Roma arrive still near the top of the league table but must recalibrate after two weeks disrupted by international departures. For Gasperini, the priority is assessing the condition of players returning late from their national teams and rotating the squad without sacrificing defensive stability in what is expected to be a challenging away fixture. Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will field a 4-2-3-1 setup and attempt to exploit home advantage and their attacking resources. Historically, Roma hold the upper hand in the head-to-head record, with 13 victories compared to Como's 7, and 8 draws across 28 Serie A meetings. The most recent encounter came on 15 March 2026 at the Sinigaglia, where Como won 2-1. Roma took the lead through Donyell Malen's penalty on 7 minutes, but Como reversed the result in the second half with goals from Douvikas and Diego Carlos. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN via smartphone, PC, tablet or the official website. Official lineups will be announced approximately one hour before kick-off.

Roma will renew their search for a forward in the January transfer window after failing to secure a speedster during the summer. The club saved money through the structure of the Rodrigo Mora deal and is monitoring both established and familiar targets for the position, according to Corriere dello Sport. Endrick, a Real Madrid forward, is on Roma's radar and could potentially leave on loan if his minutes continue to be limited. However, securing him would require negotiating a permanent option to buy, which Real Madrid are unlikely to grant. Jaime Leweling, who came close to joining in the summer, remains a target with a potentially reduced price tag after struggling for regular minutes. Jamie Gittens, who has yet to play in the Premier League this campaign, is also under consideration. Roma are interested in Giorgi Kvernadze, an emerging Serie A prospect at Frosinone, though convincing the club to sell mid-season will prove difficult. Luiz Henrique from Zenit is another option, though he is left-footed, which could complicate matters given Paulo Dybala and Matías Soulé's fitness status. Buying in January typically carries a premium, but the article notes that new opportunities frequently emerge as players seek more regular football. The possibility remains that Mora could develop into the solution, potentially negating the need for another attacker.