As AS Roma gears up for their Serie A matchup against Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, coach Gian Piero Gasperini faces some crucial decisions regarding his lineup. The team is coming off a strong performance, having recently secured a 4-0 victory against US Lecce, and is looking to maintain that momentum as they prepare for a busy schedule that includes a return to the UEFA Champions League.
In his pre-match comments, Gasperini emphasized the importance of taking each game as it comes, acknowledging the challenges posed by a congested fixture list. "We need to take it match by match. It’s true that these games are all close together, but it’s impossible to predict what will happen on the pitch," he stated. With the added strain of competing in both Serie A and the Champions League, the coach is mindful of managing player fatigue and potential injuries.
Two key figures for Roma, Evan Ndicka and Paulo Dybala, are currently under assessment as they deal with fitness concerns. Ndicka, who was initially slated to start in the previous match, had to withdraw due to discomfort. Meanwhile, Dybala was reported to have experienced muscular fatigue but has since returned to training. Gasperini provided an update on their conditions, expressing optimism about their availability. "Nothing out of the ordinary. The tests didn’t show anything. He’ll [Dybala] be training today. The important thing is that he feels confident and comfortable because we’ve got three games this week," he explained.
While Dybala and Ndicka appear to be on the mend, Gasperini confirmed that Lorenzo Pellegrini will not be in the squad just yet as he continues to work on regaining match fitness. The coach mentioned, "Pellegrini? He’s started to work with the group a bit. As for playing a match, maybe against Inter or after the break." This absence will be felt as Pellegrini is a vital part of Roma's midfield structure.
Gasperini also highlighted the contributions of younger players Rodrigo Mora and Niccolo Pisilli, both of whom have made an impression early in the season. Mora, in particular, has scored in both of Roma's opening fixtures. Gasperini praised Mora's talent and potential, stating, "He’s very young and has plenty of room to grow in terms of his physical condition, stamina, and endurance. We’re dealing with a player of exceptional quality – that’s hard to deny."
As the match against Atalanta approaches, Gasperini's tactical flexibility will be crucial. He hinted at the possibility of employing a trequartista behind two strikers, a formation that has proven effective in past encounters. With players like Dybala, Mora, and Malen potentially leading the attack, Roma's offensive strategy could vary significantly based on the fitness of its key players.
Looking ahead, if Ndicka and Dybala are deemed fit to start, they are likely to feature prominently in the lineup. However, should they not be ready, Gasperini may turn to Daniele Ghilardi and Matías Soulé to fill the gaps. The expected formation for Roma is a 3-4-2-1 setup, featuring Svilar in goal, with a defensive trio of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso, while the midfield and attack will see contributions from Lulli, Koné, Cristante, Wesley, Dybala, Mora, and Malen.
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