Gasperini Targets Dybala Return for Roma’s Napoli Clash

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini is confident Paulo Dybala can return for the Napoli match, with the Argentine’s potential place on the bench against Slovan Bratislava now the key short-term target.

Dybala race begins before Napoli

Roma face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League group stage on Tuesday before turning their attention to Napoli. Gasperini said the next 24 to 48 hours could determine whether Dybala is fit enough to be included against Slovan.

• Gasperini hopes Dybala will be available for the Napoli fixture.
• The Roma boss believes the forward could be close enough to make the bench for Tuesday’s meeting with Slovan Bratislava.
• He said he was optimistic about the player’s recovery, while stressing that the coming days will be decisive.

Roma answer Madrid disappointment with Genoa win

The Giallorossi responded to their painful Champions League defeat by Real Madrid with a 2-0 Serie A victory over Genoa. Gasperini made extensive changes after the European setback, selecting players who had been substitutes against Madrid and whom he felt would bring fresh energy.

Roma’s loss to Real Madrid had been especially difficult to take after what Gasperini viewed as a strong display. He said the match swung during a brief spell in which his side conceded three corners, despite Madrid having endured a difficult period themselves.

Gasperini felt that frustration drove the response rather than damaging confidence. He said his players had shown the personality he expected, even if Genoa made the contest awkward for long periods.

Castro breakthrough changes a difficult contest

Genoa’s physical and direct approach caused Roma problems in the first half, particularly from long balls, and the match remained level until Santiago Castro produced the moment that opened it up.

Castro’s individual piece of quality broke the deadlock, allowing Roma to take command and go on to seal a 2-0 win. Gasperini praised his young side for handling a match he described as important and far from straightforward.

• Roma struggled initially to deal with Genoa’s aerial and direct game.
• Castro supplied the decisive spark to end the stalemate.
• Gasperini said Roma improved after the interval and found greater control.
• The coach highlighted the energy and commitment of the players brought into the starting side.

Gasperini sees sharper Roma attack

The Roma manager also pointed to progress in the side’s attacking play compared with his first season in charge. He said the squad have built understanding through matches, performances and positive results.

Gasperini cited Donyell Malen’s arrival and Dybala’s improved fitness as important differences from the previous campaign, when he had only recently joined the club and had limited access to the Argentine.

He believes Roma now create and finish chances with more ease, adding that the quality of their goals reflects a team that has absorbed more attacking patterns and ways to reach the net.