Pellegrini Ready for Roma Return After Signing New One-Year Deal
Lorenzo Pellegrini says he is physically ready to help Roma against Slovan Bratislava after ending a six-month absence, with the midfielder set for a renewed role in Tuesday’s Champions League tie at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 29-year-old, who returned to action against Como, has also committed his future to his boyhood club by signing a one-year extension. Pellegrini said the long route back to full fitness demanded patience after months spent watching Roma from the sidelines, but he now feels settled and focused on the European campaign.
Pellegrini’s Roma future changed under Gasperini
Pellegrini revealed that a departure from Roma had appeared likely before Gian Piero Gasperini arrived. He said it had seemed natural last season that he and the club would part company, but his first conversation with the coach quickly changed that picture.
The midfielder said he and Gasperini immediately understood how he could contribute to the side. Talks with the club, coaching staff and squad last summer reinforced that he was wanted in Rome, making the decision to stay straightforward.
His return offers Gasperini added flexibility while Roma deal with injuries elsewhere in the squad. Pellegrini said his strongest attribute is receiving and using the ball, whether deployed in central midfield or further forward.
“Whether I play in midfield or behind the attack, the key is to recognise the space available and make the most of it,” Pellegrini said.
He also described a composed mood inside the Roma camp, with the players training hard and preparing calmly for each fixture.
Slovan promise a fearless challenge
Slovan Bratislava coach Yaya Toure expects a difficult night in the Italian capital but has vowed that his side will not retreat. Toure acknowledged Roma’s depth despite their absences and warned that the hosts retain the quality to punish opponents.
“They are a very strong side,” Toure said. “Even with players missing, they can still cause a lot of damage.”
He added that Slovan had taken important lessons from their previous two matches and now want to show character without fear at the Olimpico.
Roma enter Tuesday evening’s match aiming to strengthen their position in the fight for Champions League qualification, with Pellegrini’s availability giving Gasperini another option at a crucial point in the group-stage push.
