Roma return to the Olimpico against Genoa with a thinner midfield, a younger attacking line and no room in the calendar to linger over absences. Gian Piero Gasperini’s response is to trust the depth of his squad, with Rodrigo Mora and Santiago Castro set for a prominent opportunity against Daniele De Rossi’s side.
The decision
Koné’s scan has shown a first-degree injury. Gasperini described it as not especially serious, but accepted that recovery will require time, with Sassuolo before the international break identified as the hoped-for return date.
Paulo Dybala, meanwhile, has calf fatigue rather than a major problem. Roma hope to have him available again next week. With injuries affecting several areas during an important stretch of the season, the coach is also considering Lorenzo Pellegrini as a midfield option.
“Given the current shortage, midfield is a role Pellegrini can play,” Gasperini said. He added that Bryan Cristante could return for the Napoli match or the fixture immediately after it.
The immediate consequence is likely to be a more youthful forward unit. Mora and Castro are in line to lead the attacking effort, while Matías Soulé is fit and available. Gasperini sees the pair not as emergency selections but as players who must be given the chance to grow within a demanding season.
“We have a strong group, but with this schedule we cannot keep using the same starting side,” he said. “Mora and Castro need confidence. Modern football requires a larger squad, and this is our third match in seven days. We either adapt to that reality or suffer because of it.”
Castro has not featured in Roma’s last two matches, yet Gasperini pointed to the striker’s previous positive work in Serie A and called the Genoa game an important opening for a player he considers valuable.
Sunday’s picture
The Genoa meeting comes after Roma’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, a match that left Gasperini with both regret and reassurance. Roma had been competing well before the psychological impact of events at 3-2, including Malen’s dismissal, shifted the balance of the evening.
Gasperini does not want the result against Real Madrid to become a burden. His assessment is that Roma have repeatedly shown their level over recent months, including in matches against Inter, Como and the Spanish side, even when circumstances have changed through injuries or unexpected incidents.
“We should not talk about winning the league or the Champions League,” he said. “This team has quality, and its results have not happened by chance. The important thing is to express ourselves. From these three matches, the feeling is that, if unusual things do not go against us, we can compete with anyone.”
For Roma, therefore, Genoa is not simply a chance to correct the European setback. It is another test of the squad’s ability to remain steady while the selection changes around it. Gasperini expects the required mentality, energy and determination to be present at the Olimpico as his side try to take the points.
