Gian Piero Gasperini is assured Bryan Zaragoza will ‘give us a hand’ as Roma play Bologna within the Europa League Spherical of 16, and isn’t nervous by current defensive leaks.
It kicks off on the Stadio Dall’Ara at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET).
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The second leg is on the Stadio Olimpico subsequent Thursday, because it means there will likely be only one Italian entry into the Europa League quarter-finals.
Gasperini makes adjustments for Roma in Europe
ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 22: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini seems to be on in the course of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Part MD7 match between AS Roma and VfB Stuttgart at Stadio Olimpico on January 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Picture by Paolo Bruno/Getty Photos)
Roma completed eighth within the league part of the Europa League and subsequently earned direct entry to the Spherical of 16.
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That was regardless of not having January signings Donyell Malen and Bryan Zaragoza accessible, in order that they make their UEFA debuts within the Giallorossi jersey this night.
“Zaragoza arrived on switch deadline day, so naturally he wants a bit of time to settle in. He already participated within the few video games we performed since he arrived, had an important contribution to Malen’s aim in opposition to Napoli, so naturally we anticipate him to present us a hand right this moment,”
There’s the temptation to separate their focus, as after a 3-3 draw with Juventus and 2-1 defeat at Genoa, the upcoming showdown for fourth place in Serie A with Como may take the precedence.
Then again, there’s no room for squad rotation, as Gianluca Mancini is suspended, with Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson injured, plus Manu Koné and Mario Hermoso not at 100 per cent.
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma seems to be on in the course of the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Stability Area on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Picture by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Photos)
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“We conceded extra targets currently, but in addition scored extra in opposition to powerful opponents like Juventus and Napoli. We have been lacking Hermoso for a very long time, Mancini is suspended right this moment, so there have been some difficulties to be anticipated over the course of a marketing campaign,” added Gasperini.
Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli can , as they’ll each take that function or drop right into a deeper midfield place.