Gasperini's vision vindicated: Roma's squad needs expansion

Gasperini provided an injury update on midfielder Manu Koné, confirming a first-degree lesion and expressing hope that the player will be available for the Sassuolo match. The coach also addressed Paulo Dybala's fitness, reporting calf fatigue and targeting his return for the following week. Koné sustained the injury during Roma's recent action and the first-degree classification suggests a minor soft-tissue problem. Dybala's calf complaint is also not expected to sideline him for long, with Gasperini confident of having him back within seven days.

Gian Piero Gasperini provided an injury briefing on the eve of Roma's match against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on 17 October at 20:45, detailing the recovery timelines for three key midfielders sidelined in recent weeks. Manu Koné sustained a first-degree muscle lesion during the Champions League fixture against Real Madrid. Gasperini said: "Koné has had an MRI: it is a first-degree lesion, not particularly significant. The necessary time is needed for recovery and we hope to have him available for Sassuolo." Paulo Dybala, who left the Real Madrid match at half-time, has been diagnosed with calf fatigue rather than a serious injury. "For Dybala, there are no particular issues: it is fatigue in the soleus muscle. We hope to get him back next week," the coach explained. Bryan Cristante remains sidelined with knee inflammation sustained after the Roma-Inter fixture and will miss the Genoa match, though Gasperini expressed optimism about his availability for the Napoli game: "We are hoping he can be available for Napoli, that is the hope. He is a warrior and will do even more in this difficult situation. I do not, however, want to put his recovery at risk." Mile Svilar, the goalkeeper, fractured his finger in training and is undergoing recovery in Belgium with an initial expected absence of around one month. His return is anticipated after the next international break. Because stress fractures require complete bone consolidation before increased loads can be applied, and goalkeepers face particular demands from diving, landing and falling, the staff is not rushing his return. Svilar is currently expected to miss matches against Genoa, Slovan Bratislava, Napoli, Cagliari, Udinese, Manchester United and Sassuolo, pending any changes to his recovery plan.

Gian Piero Gasperini provided an injury update on the eve of Roma's match against Genoa. Manu Koné has suffered a first-degree muscle strain and is expected to return for the Sassuolo fixture before the international break. Paulo Dybala is carrying a calf muscle fatigue and should be fit within the coming week. Gasperini acknowledged Roma face a mounting injury crisis that could force him to reshape his midfield and forward line. He indicated that Lorenzo Pellegrini may move deeper into midfield to cover gaps, while Santiago Castro is ready to step in for Donyell Malen. Bryan Cristante is also sidelined, with hopes of his return against Napoli or the match that follows. The manager emphasised that Roma's squad depth will be tested: "Not only do we have the squad as 11, not even 15 or 16, but a minimum of 20 players when you play in these competitions, because injuries and suspensions exist." Gasperini reflected on Roma's performance in the Champions League loss to Real Madrid, saying the team demonstrated quality across three difficult matches against Inter, Como and Real Madrid, but psychological reaction faltered after going 2–3 down. "The mental setback exists and it was there at 3–2," he said. "This squad doesn't need to feel the need to win the Champions League or the Scudetto. This squad needs to express itself, that's all." On defending set pieces, Gasperini noted that corner situations have become a source of vulnerability: Roma conceded twice from corners against Real Madrid, with defending players showing fear and lack of reaction. He defended his substitutes, stating that Rodrigo Mora, Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli had all performed well when introduced. Marten de Roon, he added, has been entirely reliable despite playing many matches in ten days. Gasperini warned that Roma's lack of depth reserves is his primary concern heading into the Genoa match. "What worries me tomorrow is that we have few changes; in some areas, some Primavera players could make their debut," he said.