Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed that Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone have recovered. He credited Roma's players for their efforts in the fight for a Champions League spot.
Key points
Gasperini confirmed Dybala and Kone's recovery
Roma is in sixth place in Serie A
Roma is competing for a Champions League spot
Upcoming match against unbeaten Fiorentina
Mentioned in this story
Gian Piero GasperiniPaulo DybalaManu Kone
RomaFiorentinaJuventusComo
Gasperini: âKone and Dybala recovered, I give credit to the Roma playersâ
Gasperini: âKone and Dybala recovered, I give credit to the Roma playersâ
Gian Piero Gasperini has provided a positive update on the fitness of key players Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone and says that if Roma are still in the fight for a Champions League spot, it is entirely down to the work that the players have put in: âThe squad has been special, I thank themâ.
Gasperini sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Sunday ahead of Monday eveningâs clash against a Fiorentina side that are unbeaten across their last seven Serie A matches.
Roma find themselves in sixth place ahead of kick-off. They will have an opportunity to move clear of Como, who are one point better off than the Giallorossi having played one game more than them. The big target, however, is Juventus in fourth place, who have three points more than Roma having played the same number of matches.
Gasperini on Roma pride, visit from the owners, Dybala, Kone and Wesley
Heading into the final four matches of the 2025-26 season, Gasperini has confirmed that both Dybala and Kone are back and available for selection again.
Q&A
What did Gasperini say about Dybala and Kone's recovery?
Gasperini provided a positive update, confirming that both Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone have recovered.
How is Roma performing in the Serie A standings?
Roma is currently in sixth place, one point behind Como, with a chance to move up in the standings.
Who is Roma competing against for a Champions League spot?
Roma is competing against Juventus for the fourth Champions League spot, as they are three points behind them.
What is Roma's upcoming match and its significance?
Roma's next match is against Fiorentina, who are unbeaten in their last seven Serie A matches, making it a crucial game for Roma's standings.
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ROME, ITALY â JANUARY 10: Manu Kone with his teammates of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on January 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
âKone has recovered, Dybala had already recovered. This week has gone better. Theyâre available,â Gasperini said (via TMW).
Gasperini is also expected to meet with Romaâs owners in the near future: âThe presence of the ownership is a signal,â he said. âMaybe they will start making moves not just for the end of the season, but also in view of the future.â
Gasperini was asked if he considers this season to have been a âtransitionalâ year for the Giallorossi.
He replied: âThere are two tracks: The current season, which is still alive and tomorrow weâll play against a Fiorentina side that is coming in off the back of a lot of positive results. Weâre fully focused on that since weâre still in the race. The teamâs behaviour has been excellent, we will try to kick on in these four games.
âThen, we will start talking about the future, however, right now is not the time. Afterwards, I will try to be clear because the fans need to understand what weâre doing.â
BOLOGNA, ITALY â APRIL 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma looks on during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AS Roma at Renato DallâAra Stadium on April 25, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
With Claudio Ranieri having recently left the club and with the future of sporting director Ricky Massara looking uncertain, Gasperini was asked if there are any concerns that Roma could fall behind their Serie A rivals in terms of planning for next season and the upcoming transfer window.
âOf course, there has already been a bit of development. We have recalibrated after suffering a big, unexpected disappointment. However, I donât think that the other teams have already started planning. The ownership will have plenty of time and clarity to deal with these things, but when they do, they will do it in the best possible way.â
Gasperini avoided answering questions about his relationship with Massara, though: âIâm going back to Fiorentina, thatâs very important. As for the rest, weâll talk about it when the time comes. The club will speak. There is no need to go into detail now.â
WALSALL, ENGLAND â AUGUST 06: Frederic Massara, Sporting Director of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
The Roma boss hopes to take inspiration from the clubâs womenâs team, who have recently claimed the Scudetto for the third time in four years.
âThe womenâs Scudetto was fantastic, we want to imitate them, even if the Scudetto is a little too far ahead for us,â Gasperini laughed.
Gasp was also asked for his opinion on the recent 5-4 thriller between PSG and Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final.
âI enjoyed it, I liked it a lot. There were some mistakes, but there were also some wonderful technical moments. The game was enjoyable for everyone.
âThis is not the best moment for the Italians in the cups, but we need to react and not give up. Maybe weâre not doing the right things. We find it difficult against them all. Maybe itâs about how teams are built here. Replicating that style of football is difficult, it depends on the quality of the players.â
ROME, ITALY â JANUARY 22: AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar competes for the ball with Finn Jeltsch of VfB Stuttgart during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gasp was then asked for his assessment of his teamâs performance so far in 2025-26.
He said: âThe squad has been a bit special this year, itâs not easy. Weâre still in the race and I give the credit to the team. Extraordinary professionalism and togetherness. The response in Bologna was fantastic.â
It was then pointed out to Gasperini that his side tends to underperform in the final stages of matches, especially compared to their direct rivals in the league.
âProbably, however, weâre ahead in other numbers. Weâre fifth in the standings. Itâs true, we donât often manage to get points in the final moments, which many other teams do obtain. However, we will work to improve on that.â
The Roma gaffer was also asked if he has any plans to swap Wesley back to the right flank at any stage, having featured on the left for the majority of the 2025-26 campaign.
ROME, ITALY â MARCH 01: Wesley of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
âHeâs a player whoâs gone through an important evolution. He can play both on the right and on the left, although he is of course a right-footer. When you have strong players, you can put them on the pitch and then find their most suitable position.
âIt also depends on the situation. In this period, weâve had Celik available, but weâve practically never had Angelino and that was a big loss. Wesley is a valuable player and thatâs the main thing.â
Is Gasperini âsatisfiedâ with his squadâs results so far this campaign?
âEveryone has room for improvement. You acquire value at all ages. Iâm satisfied. Everyone has played, everyone has given their contribution. Thereâs not been a problem of behaviour, ever. I thank them. If weâre still in it, itâs thanks to them.â