Viviano: Gasperini is a phenomenon – I would not be surprised to see Roma champions

Antonio Cassano has criticized Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen while praising Gian Piero Gasperini in an appearance on Viva El Futbol. The former Roma striker was unsparing in his assessment of the squad: "Dybala has been dragging along for 2–3 years. Malen? I don't like him. If Malen scores more than 20 goals, Roma are in the top four — otherwise? But Dybala scored 3 goals last season." Cassano reserved high praise for the head coach, however. "For me Gasperini is a phenomenon — he and Sacchi changed football," he said. Yet he acknowledged the demands Gasperini places on his players: "But I would never want to be coached by him, not even in my prime, because he makes you run so much."

Broadcaster Pardo has defended the standing ovation given to former manager José Mourinho at the Olimpico, dismissing criticism of the tribute as unfounded. Speaking on Radio Romanista, Pardo said he was not at the stadium but heard the roar from his nearby home. He argued that the recognition was entirely appropriate: "I find it absurd that there can be any controversy over the acknowledgement Mourinho received from the fans. He was an important figure. If the fans behave respectfully, they must be respected. Journalists should not decide who supports well and who doesn't." Pardo emphasised that the ovation did not undermine Roma's performance on the pitch. The atmosphere at the ground was excellent and directly contributed to the team's quality display, he said. He highlighted a 80-minute spell in which Roma proved superior to Real Madrid, though he acknowledged the final ten minutes warrant review. Despite that closing period, Pardo believes the performance deserves to be viewed with pride by the squad rather than forgotten. Pardo noted he was following the match from home while simultaneously watching Virtus Bologna play in Paris on a split screen. "The crowd supported the team, the atmosphere was beautiful, and it helped the squad to put on a tremendous performance," he said. He added that while the closing stages require analysis, "there are margins for improvement" and the overall display showcased what Roma is capable of delivering.

Antonio Cassano has launched a blunt critique of Paulo Dybala's form and fitness, arguing the Argentine forward no longer possesses the physical strength to be Roma's primary attacking weapon. Speaking on the latest episode of Viva El Futbol, the former Roma striker said: "You can see how he runs, how much he struggles to run. He no longer has strength in his legs. In his prime, at Juventus, he often played in the attacking half and there were free kicks and so on. With 7-8 years less on him. Now he struggles, he's missing that bit of strength he had before. Sometimes he plays through balls, puts in decent performances, but I can't think Roma should rely solely on him and Malen. Sometimes even when he takes free kicks he no longer has that punch, perhaps also because of injuries. For 2-3 years now he's been dragging himself along." Cassano was equally dismissive of Donyell Malen, Roma's fellow forward. "I don't like Malen," he stated. "If Malen scores more than 20 goals Roma are in the top four, otherwise? But Dybala last season scored 3 goals." The former attacker also offered a contrasting assessment of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, whom he holds in the highest regard. "For me Gasperini is a phenomenon, him and Sacchi have changed football. But I would never want to be coached by him, not even in my prime, because he makes you run really hard," Cassano said.