Gian Piero Gasperini says Roma wish to ‘restore expectations’ positioned on Evan Ferguson two years in the past and warns the Giallorossi that Oliver Giroud can ‘nonetheless make the distinction.’
Gasperini held a press convention on Wednesday, on the eve of a Europa League match in opposition to Lille.
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Ferguson was one of many speaking factors because the Republic of Eire worldwide started the season as a starter, however he appears to have been overtaken by Artem Dovbyk in current weeks.
Ferguson and Dovbyk’s development ‘essential’ for Roma
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma argues with Reda Belahyane of SS Lazio the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photograph by Silvia Lore/Getty Photos)
“Ferguson is a younger participant, born in 2004, who did very effectively two years in the past,” Gasperini stated
“Final season, he struggled with accidents and a change of membership in January, which meant he performed little. The objective with him is to revive the expectations that have been positioned on him when he first broke via. He’s dedicated, and he and Dovbyk are alternating. Their development, particularly from a bodily standpoint, is essential.”
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Dovbyk has scored one objective in 5 video games this season, whereas Ferguson has supplied one help in six appearances.
Roma gained 5 of their opening six video games throughout all competitions, however struggled greater than anticipated to
“The fatigue in opposition to Verona wasn’t bodily; it was extra about motivation. It’s not simple to return out of a derby, which drains you emotionally, then play your first Europa League match, after which face Verona, who had higher sharpness,” Gasperini stated.
“I don’t suppose it was a bodily subject. Over the three video games, you would possibly suppose Verona are the lead troublesome opponent, however they will turn into very, very robust.”
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Matias Soulé has in all probability been Roma’s greatest participant up to now this season, and Gasperini is uncertain whether or not to relaxation him in opposition to Lille.
“Up entrance, we’ve got fewer options given the absence of Dybala and Bailey, which forces us to make use of kind of the identical gamers,” Gasperini stated.
Gasperini praises Giroud
ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Gian Piero Gasperini head coach of AS Roma gestures through the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photograph by Silvia Lore/Getty Photos)
“At the moment we’ll put together the match and, as all the time, we’ll have at the very least a few options, whether or not from the beginning or through the sport.”
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Roma will face ex-Milan star Giroud, who returned to France in the summertime.
“Tactically, the plan is to not let him get contained in the field, regardless that he strikes effectively in every single place,” concluded Gasperini.
“He’s carried out extraordinary issues with Milan and even earlier than in his profession. He was decisive in Milan’s Scudetto win. Just a few years in the past, age would have made gamers much less aggressive, however now in Italy and France, there are older gamers nonetheless making a huge impact, largely due to bodily situation. They prepare otherwise and are nonetheless capable of make a distinction.”