Lorenzo Pellegrini has spoken at a pre-match press conference, held alongside Gian Piero Gasperini, ahead of Roma's match against Slovan on Sunday's eve, as the midfielder works his way back into contention after a spell out of the team. Since returning to availability he has yet to score or assist, but his condition is improving, his minutes are increasing, and he is pushing for a place in the starting line-up against Slovan. Gasperini is still weighing up where to play him.
Pellegrini said he is feeling good and calm. "Being away from the pitch for a long time meant I needed to reintegrate and be given the right time. I can still raise my physical level. At first it was harder, I was not at the level of my teammates. I keep working and I am very happy. It is an exceptional group, we work well. During the week we go hard and on Sunday we do even better. The contract was a choice the club made and I accepted it."
On the pressure to win, he added: "It is always there, in every match we go in to win and to play well. It is a good pressure, one we are used to. I have found a united, healthy group where everyone gets on well and we work hard. There is a desire to improve globally, not just individually."
Asked about his summer, Pellegrini described it as calm and serene. "There was a need to get back and feel well as soon as possible. The thought was more about feeling well than anything else. It was serene because we always stayed in contact with the coach and the staff to continue together. For me it was important to be well, otherwise I could not play even somewhere else. My priority was to stay in Rome for what we built last year. I am very happy."
On Gasperini's role in his new deal, he said: "The coach was fundamental. Last year we started in a situation where separating seemed normal, as if the right moment had come to do it. For my part, with the coach we always found ourselves on the path I should take, despite having only one year of contract left. I always gave maximum availability to do what is best for the team. We did not discuss things in detail. It was a moment when I was not well because of the injury, and the earlier conversation was not polemical. I spoke to everyone this summer and everyone showed me their closeness. Everyone wanted me to stay. It was all natural and simple. The most important thing is to return to performing well and be in this fantastic group. I hope to be at 100% as soon as possible to help the coach and Roma."
On the team's ambitions, Pellegrini said: "We want to stay at the top. Last year we managed it, and this year, after a year already done with the coach, it has been easier to blend together. We want to go out and win every match, continuing to work and improve as a group. We are a united and calm group."
Asked whether he prefers playing as a trequartista or in midfield, he replied: "I have already said it, a calm environment where we push hard to arrive prepared for matches. The role? I play where the coach asks me, but it is normal that everyone has their own characteristics. I will never be a full-back. I like playing with the ball at my feet, but the whole team puts you in a position to give 100%. Midfield or the trequarti, what matters is finding space to receive the ball and look forward, using the space you have."
Story Coverage7 sources on this story
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.
AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.
