Gasperini: ‘Kone and Dybala recovered, I give credit to the Roma players’
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: ‘The squad has been special, I thank them’.
Gasperini sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Sunday ahead of Monday evening’s 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.
“Kone has recovered, Dybala had already recovered. This week has gone better. They’re available,” Gasperini said (via TMW).
Gasperini is also expected to meet with Roma’s owners in the near future: “The presence of the ownership is a signal,” he said. “Maybe they will start making moves not just for the end of the season, but also in view of the future.”
Gasperini was asked if he considers this season to have been a ‘transitional’ year for the Giallorossi.
He replied: “There are two tracks: The current season, which is still alive and tomorrow we’ll play against a Fiorentina side that is coming in off the back of a lot of positive results. We’re fully focused on that since we’re still in the race. The team’s behaviour has been excellent, we will try to kick on in these four games.
“Then, 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 we’re doing.”
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.
“Of course, there has already been a bit of development. We have recalibrated after suffering a big, unexpected disappointment. However, I don’t 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.”
Gasperini avoided answering questions about his relationship with Massara, though: “I’m going back to Fiorentina, that’s very important. As for the rest, we’ll talk about it when the time comes. The club will speak. There is no need to go into detail now.”
The Roma boss hopes to take inspiration from the club’s women’s team, who have recently claimed the Scudetto for the third time in four years.
“The women’s Scudetto was fantastic, we want to imitate them, even if the Scudetto is a little too far ahead for us,” 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.
“I 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.
“This is not the best moment for the Italians in the cups, but we need to react and not give up. Maybe we’re not doing the right things. We find it difficult against them all. Maybe it’s about how teams are built here. Replicating that style of football is difficult, it depends on the quality of the players.”
Gasp was then asked for his assessment of his team’s performance so far in 2025-26.
He said: “The squad has been a bit special this year, it’s not easy. We’re still in the race and I give the credit to the team. Extraordinary professionalism and togetherness. The response in Bologna was fantastic.”
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.
“Probably, however, we’re ahead in other numbers. We’re fifth in the standings. It’s true, we don’t often manage to get points in the final moments, which many other teams do obtain. However, we will work to improve on that.”
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.
“He’s a player who’s 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.
“It also depends on the situation. In this period, we’ve had Celik available, but we’ve practically never had Angelino and that was a big loss. Wesley is a valuable player and that’s the main thing.”
Is Gasperini ‘satisfied’ with his squad’s results so far this campaign?
“Everyone has room for improvement. You acquire value at all ages. I’m satisfied. Everyone has played, everyone has given their contribution. There’s not been a problem of behaviour, ever. I thank them. If we’re still in it, it’s thanks to them.”