Gasperini forced into late Roma change, explains new choices
Gian Piero Gasperini is forced into a last-minute Roma change against Lecce by the Evan Ndicka injury and explains his choice of Matias Soulé.
It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 17.30 UK time (18.30 CEST).
The Giallorossi crushed Fiorentina 4-0 last week with a Donyell Malen hat-trick, all of them set up for him by Paulo Dybala assists.
Gasperini makes two Roma changes
“Undoubtedly, playing in these conditions will affect both teams. We’re at the limits, but that’s inevitable at this time of year,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia and DAZN Italia.
“It is an anomalous level of heat and humidity, we hope it won’t damage the performance too much for these fans. It is a tough place to play for everyone, we need a good game today.”
They were forced into a change during the warm-up, as Ndicka sustained an adductor issue, so Daniele Ghilardi stepped in, with Gianluca Mancini taking the central role in the three-man defence.
Although they have been bringing in several new players, none of them are in the starting XI this evening, as Matias Soulé is chosen ahead of Rodrigo Mora, despite having some issues sharing the spaces with Dybala last season.
“They did some good things together in the past, so it all depends on the game. Seeing as both were out for a long time last season, we didn’t really get much of an opportunity to play them together that regularly,” shrugged the coach.
“With this heat, we need to focus on those in good physical shape. Lulli and Soulé were with us throughout the summer for training, in modern football you need 16 players and not just the starting XI.”
Nahuel Molina, Leonardo Balerdi and Marten de Roon are also on the bench today, while Robinio Vaz has left for Hull City, Neil El Aynaoui to RB Leipzig, and Jan Ziolkowski officially completed his loan to Monza with option to buy for €18m.
Roma are still seeking an attacking winger, with offers on the table reportedly for both Jamie Leweling of VfB Stuttgart and Zenit St. Petersburg man Luiz Henrique.
