Gasperini: Dybala improving, Roma and Juventus similar, but UEL draw ‘unfortunate’
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini says Paulo Dybala ‘feels much better’ while Matias Soulé will miss tomorrow’s game against Juventus.
Roma and Juventus meet at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow in a crucial Serie A game for either side.
The Giallorossi sit fourth, level on 50 points with Napoli, but Juventus follow in fifth with 46.
Roma vs. Juventus – Gasperini’s pre-match press conference
“We are two teams that always try to reach the result through the playing style, and I think the same will happen tomorrow. Neither will want to speculate, and both will try to win,” Gasperini said at a press conference via Sky Sport Italia.
“Dybala feels much better. He worked with the team yesterday, but I won’t know until after today’s training whether he’ll be fit to play.”
Dybala, 32, has missed the last four Serie A matches due to knee problems, but could return tomorrow, while his compatriot Soulé won’t be eligible to play.
“I hope Soulé can join the team again next week,” Gasperini said.
“Our four-point lead is important because it reflects Roma’s work to this point, but I don’t think it will be decisive. I don’t see anyone strong enough to run away from the opponents so early.”
How many points will Roma need to qualify for the Champions League?
“It’s hard to predict. At least 70 points, but probably even more,” Gasp replied.
“Currently, we need a winning streak with many consecutive victories.
“Three months is a long time, and we must try to remain involved in all competitions. There could be variables, such as injuries and suspensions, but we must aim for the best in every game.”
Roma have been drawn against Bologna in the Europa League Round of 16, an outcome that neither club is particularly happy with.
“It’s unfortunate because we are talking about two Italian teams who could have gone ahead, and this penalises us for the ranking,” Gasperini said.
“You always have to raise the bar in these matches, and I think the most important one will be the first leg, because if you don’t have a good approach, you risk not being able to recover.”
The game against Juventus is a special one for Gasp, an ex-youth coach with the Bianconeri.
Gasperini also worked with Teun Koopmeiners at Atalanta, but the Dutchman seems to be one of the many players who begin to struggle as soon as they leave Bergamo.
“I don’t think so. Here I have Mancini and Cristante, who have increased and matured,” noted Gasperini.
“What I can say about Koopmeiners is that he was a strong player of that Atalanta side. Recently, he has also scored two goals.
“Juventus were like a gym for me, where I improved personally and in footballing terms. It’s a club where football has always been done very well. I had the chance to go abroad and look at other players; it was a great experience.”