Gasperini: ‘Roma need to keep everyone in top shape, Castro decisive’

Gian Piero Gasperini explains his Roma changes against Cagliari, who reshuffle their own tactics, and assures Santiago Castro earned this opportunity. ‘He was decisive.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

The Giallorossi are missing numerous players going into this midweek Serie A round, as Paulo Dybala did not recover in time to be on the bench, while Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini are still out of action too.

Gasperini changes Roma line-up

“The difficulties we face are different in each game,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.

“When there are so many matches close together, there are going to be knocks and concerns, it is not the same thing as playing once a week. At the same time, it gives us an opportunity to spread the responsibility around and boost the confidence of many players in a competitive squad.”

It looks as if Cagliari have adjusted their tactics for this match and moved to three at the back, coming off a 1-1 draw with Juventus, followed by back-to-back defeats.

“I expect Cagliari to remain positive, albeit with a more defensive set-up, but still ready to go on the counter-attack,” added Gasperini.

“We have to be wary of the pace of Alieu Fadera and M’Bala Nzola, but they have important options off the bench too. We’ve got to play with a high tempo, quality, and also clear heads.”

Roma rotate their squad too, with Donyell Malen, Rodrigo Mora, Mario Hermoso and more on the bench this evening.

“With this schedule, it is inevitable, but it is also worth noting that Castro played two games ago and was decisive. We need to keep all our players in top shape.”

Roma drew three of their last four Serie A matches, but those were against Inter, Como and Napoli.