Gasperini: ‘Different to be a visitor against Atalanta, Roma forced into changes’

Gian Piero Gasperini admits it was ‘different’ to step into the away locker room against his beloved Atalanta after nine years, and explains the Roma changes this evening.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This is going to be a very special evening for Roma coach Gasperini, who returns to Bergamo for the first time as an opponent after his incredible nine-year spell here, which culminated in Europa League triumph.

“I stepped into the other locker room for the first time, which I hadn’t seen since it was restructured, so that was different!” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Of course, nine years is a long time, I saw this stadium rebuilt. Now we are all focused on this game, which is even more important considering the results of the other teams.”

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Lecce this evening, so a win here would allow Roma to create a buffer in fourth place.

“I think the truly extraordinary thing about Atalanta is that in all these years, the club was able to grow, challenge for important trophies at home and abroad, while maintaining balanced books. That is the dogma of the club and it was a success.”

Roma are dealing with several injury issues, missing Lorenzo Pellegrini, Leon Bailey and Tommaso Baldanzi, with Wesley and Artem Dovbyk only fit for the bench.

Meanwhile, Evan Ndicka and Neil El Aynaoui are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Rensch is playing and has done well recently, as Wesley is not in great physical shape and we have more games coming up, so we preferred not to risk him,” explained Gasperini.

“We will try to face Atalanta the way we have done everyone in Serie A, we know that they are a strong squad built for the Champions League, where they are having good results. I know what Atalanta can do, but also that we can put in a strong performance.”