Gasperini: ‘The right moment for Dybala, Roma must win and hope’

COMO, ITALY – MARCH 15: AS Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and AS Roma at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on March 15, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“This is the right moment for Dybala, he has recovered and already had a few substitute appearances, so he starts today,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

The Giallorossi got themselves back in the race for Champions League football after thrashing Fiorentina 4-0 last week, taking advantage of Milan, Juventus and Como all dropping points.

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Pisa SC at Stadio Olimpico on April 10, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The pressure is on them today, though, as Juventus won 1-0 away to Lecce last night and Como did the same at Verona this afternoon.

“Parma undoubtedly are very good at defending deep, they are well-organised and earned some good results playing in this style, but can also be dangerous when they attack.

“This is a fundamental match for us, but we are in good shape going in.”

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Gasperini was asked if Roma were chasing down Juventus or Milan in the final strait, seeing as the Rossoneri are stuttering badly.

“We need to focus on ourselves, because there is no margin for error, all we can do is win and hope. We need Juve to get one game wrong, or Milan two.”

GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Roma, looks on prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)

The last few weeks have been largely about the situation off the field at Roma, with the departure of Claudio Ranieri, and reports director of sport Ricky Massara will follow suit.