AS Roma is preparing for a crucial match against Parma, with Dybala back in training but likely starting from the bench. The team is currently in a tight race for Champions League qualification, needing a win to improve their standings.
Key points
AS Roma is facing Parma in a crucial Serie A match.
Dybala is back in training but expected to start from the bench.
Roma is in a tight race for Champions League qualification.
Key players missing include Pellegrini, Zaragoza, Ferguson, and Dovbyk.
Gasperini emphasized the importance of performing well against Parma.
AS RomaParma
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2024/09/01: Niccolo Pisilli (R) and Matias Soule of AS Roma low five during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and AS Roma. The match ended 0-0 tie. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) | LightRocket via Getty Images
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY - 2024/09/01: Niccolo Pisilli (R) and Matias Soule of AS Roma low five during the Serie A football match between Juventus FC and AS Roma. The match ended 0-0 tie. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) | LightRocket via Getty Images
“Dybala has been training regularly for a couple of weeks now, and so he’s improving. It’s not so much a question of condition, but rather a question of regaining the strength in that leg, the shooting power.
Angeliño has truly had a season that was unexpected by everyone, a very difficult one. Perhaps for the first time in these last few days, these last few weeks, we’re seeing him again. He’s getting closer to the player he was last year, and that gives us hope, especially for next season, because he’s a strong player who unfortunately has been missing all year.”
Those were some of the updates given by Gian Piero Gasperini during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s big match at Parma. With Dybala fully integrated back into the fold the last few matches, Gasperini will only be without , , , and for match week 36.
With the Giallorossi just one point behind Juventus and three behind for the last two Champions League spots, and only two ahead of for the guaranteed Europa League spot heading into the weekend, the final three matches will be decisive in determining the Giallorossi’s final table position. By the time Roma play at noon Eastern on Mother’s Day, Juve and Como will already have played, which could make this an opportunity to jump into the UCL places if things go right in on Saturday afternoon.
During his presser, Gasperini was asked if he’d play the exact same XI that ran roughshod over on Monday at the Olimpico. Gasperini smiled and was coy in his response.
“I like the usual defense! Roma are doing well, we’re having a good run of confidence, even technically. Every match is truly different. We’re facing a team that has achieved some important results, has pulled itself out of the relegation battle very well, and is certainly a calm team. But we saw last week how the Italian league, fortunately, has become good right up until the final matchday, where even teams that don’t have clear objectives at the moment are playing their best games. We saw , already relegated, take three points in Turin and beat Milan… This is very positive. I know that tomorrow we’ll have to do really well to win against Parma.”
While he didn’t really answer the question, the expectation is that Roma will again field the same XI. That would mean Dybala starting another match from the bench and allowing youngsters Matías Soulé and Niccoló Pisilli to play behind in-form striker . Gasperini spoke on the Argentine’s recent performances since returning from injury.
“Soulé definitely did well. He had this very long, painful period with pubalgia. This certainly left some after-effects, but he’s overcoming them. He’s playing. He’s not at his best, certainly, physically, but his contribution, when he’s there, is always very important.”
That XI includes Manu Koné who was impactful in his own return from injury last week. The Frenchman will partner in the central midfield. Playing wide of them will be Wesley and Zeki Çelik. And rounding out the line-up will be that usual defense that Gasperini referred to featuring , , and .
**ROMA (3-4-2-1):** ; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Çelik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Pisilli, Soulé; Malen.
Q&A
What is the expected lineup for AS Roma against Parma?
The expected lineup for AS Roma is a 3-4-2-1 formation featuring Svilar, Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso, Çelik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley, Pisilli, Soulé, and Malen.
How does Roma's current position affect their Champions League chances?
Roma is one point behind Juventus and three points behind Milan for the last two Champions League spots, making their upcoming matches critical for qualification.
Who are the key players missing for AS Roma in the match against Parma?
AS Roma will be without Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Zaragoza, Evan Ferguson, and Artem Dovbyk for the match against Parma.
What did Gian Piero Gasperini say about Roma's performance ahead of the match?
Gasperini expressed confidence in Roma's recent form and highlighted the need to perform well against Parma, acknowledging the unpredictability of the league.
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