Short Description
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini previews a crucial Europa League clash with Panathinaikos, balancing injury woes, league priorities, and the tournament’s new knockout phase format.
Read Time: 2 minutes, 45 seconds
Main Article
Ahead of a pivotal Europa League fixture against Panathinaikos in Athens, AS Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media, navigating questions about a growing injury crisis and the competition’s strategic importance. While Roma has already secured a spot in the knockout phase playoffs of the redesigned tournament, a victory could propel them into the top eight, granting direct passage to the Round of 16 and avoiding an extra two-leg tie in February. Gasperini, however, was pragmatic, stating “Serie A is clearly the priority” at this stage, though he emphasized the team will go out to “do our very best” to secure a favorable position.
The press conference highlighted a significant squad dilemma, particularly in attack. Gasperini confirmed star Paulo Dybala is a game-time decision after sustaining a minor knee issue against AC Milan, compounding an already dire situation. With five potential strikers unavailable—including long-term absentee Artem Dovbyk, the ineligible new signing Donyell Malen, and the unluckily injured Evan Ferguson—Gasperini faces a selection puzzle. This scenario led him to critique a glaring inefficiency in the current football management structure: the clash between the January transfer window and frozen UEFA squad lists. He argued this “contradiction” creates precarious squads for decisive European matches and is an area that “definitely… needs to be taken.”
Looking at the opponent, Gasperini acknowledged Rafael Benitez‘s Panathinaikos as a “well-drilled side” that has performed well in Europe. He downplayed the potential burden of the playoff round, suggesting the extra matches have aided Roma’s development this season. His focus remains on incremental growth, noting the team has improved its quality and defensive stability since a rocky start to their European campaign. The encounter sets the stage for a tactical battle, with Roma aiming to streamline their knockout phase path while managing resources for the domestic league push.
Short Summary
Facing Panathinaikos, Roma seeks a Europa League win to secure a direct Round of 16 berth, but injuries and Serie A priorities complicate matters. Gasperini must solve an attacking crisis, with Dybala doubtful, while criticizing UEFA’s squad list rules. The match is a strategic step in navigating the tournament’s new knockout phase format.
