Gasperini says Roma must win against Slovan Bratislava as Dybala faces weeks on sidelines
Gasperini: Roma cannot afford to slip up against Slovan Bratislava
Gian Piero Gasperini does not need reminding that Roma need three points against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League if they are to keep their hopes of qualifying for the round of 16 alive. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, the Roma coach also confirmed that Paulo Dybala will need another few weeks before he can return from injury.
Europe's kingpins on the line
Roma are in Champions League action at home to Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday evening. They have played two matches and picked up one point so far this season, following a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce and a 4-3 defeat to Real Madrid in their last outing. Roma were winning 3-1 against Real Madrid until the 83rd minute.
For the last two seasons, teams have required 16 points to finish in the top eight of the league phase, which guarantees a place in the round of 16. That leaves Roma needing five victories from their next six league phase fixtures to realistically finish in the top eight.
Roma are clear favourites against Slovan Bratislava, but Gasperini warned against complacency.
"They're a dynamic team, well prepared athletically and they have some excellent players," said Gasperini. "They might not be 'top-tier' compared to some of the other teams in the Champions League, but like all games in this competition, it will be tough. We will not underestimate our opponents because we need to win."
Castro and Malen options up front
Roma beat Genoa 2-0 in their last Serie A match, with Santiago Castro playing as centre-forward in place of the suspended Donyell Malen. Castro scored in that game. Gasperini believes the two strikers can play together, but hinted they are unlikely to both start against Slovan Bratislava.
"[Castro] scored a great goal. He and Malen can play together with their characteristics, but I don't know if I'll start him or bring him on during the game. I don't want to interrupt a team that is doing well in attack just so that we can see them together. I don't need to look for other solutions at the moment, but he could be one."
Midfield shortage
Roma have been short of midfield options while Bryan Cristante and Manu Kone recover from injury, and centre-back Mario Hermoso has occasionally filled in there. "We've seen Hermoso play there, but it was an emergency and I hope we won't need him to play there again," Gasperini said. "De Roon is playing a lot, so is Pisilli. Lorenzo can play in an advanced role or as a midfielder while we're waiting for Cristante. We hope to have Bryan available again against Napoli."
Points target and Dybala update
Asked how many points Roma will need to reach the knockout rounds, Gasperini said: "For the last few years, the points target has always been around 10 or 11. We have to win our games at home, it's always difficult in away games. That's our goal."
On Dybala, Gasperini said: "I hoped Dybala would have recovered quicker. The tests he had yesterday showed a small injury, it will take a few more weeks."
Praise for Lulli, Gollini and Mora
Gasperini expressed delight at academy graduate Emmanuele Lulli. "I'd already spotted him last year and I often brought him over to train with us. He has excellent physical characteristics, his ability, speed and endurance are of the highest level, higher than the average in Serie A. He's also humble and has that desire to improve."
On Pierluigi Gollini, who earned a rare Serie A start in goal over the weekend, Gasperini said: "Gollini has always been an excellent goalkeeper: We've spent a lot of great seasons together. He has lacked the maturity that I think he has now reached in certain points up until now. That happens. He's now proving that he's a good goalkeeper."
On Rodrigo Mora, he added: "Mora has always played. He has a particular physique. He's small, but he has talent that is immediately noticeable. We want to help him grow. He needs a bit more structure, but technically, he's on another level."