Gasperini analyses Roma’s new signings: ‘I’m convinced they’ll like him a lot’

Gian Piero Gasperini believes that Roma will like new signing Donyell Malen ‘a lot’, but has warned that it might be a little while longer before the Netherland international becomes a regular starter in the Giallorossi XI. 

Roma are preparing for the second match of their double-header against Torino on Sunday afternoon. The Giallorossi were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by the Granata earlier this week, and will now have to face them away from home in Serie A just a few days later. 

Gasperini’s options have been boosted by the recent return of Evan Ndicak from the Africa Cup of Nations, plus the recent signings of attackers Malen from Aston Villa and Robinio Vaz from Olympique de Marseille. 

Gasperini spoke about both new players, what he expects them to bring to the table, and the opportunity for redemption against Torino during his pre-match press conference on Saturday. 

Gasperini began his press conference with a tribute for the late Fiorentina President Rocco Commisso, who has died at the age of 76. 

“I’ll start with the death of Rocco Commisso,” said Gasperini. “The essence of life goes beyond any rivalry. This club has already experienced tragedy with the death of Joe Barone, and that of Davide Astori, which we all experienced together. Of course, I’m very sorry, especially for a club that has been battered by these sorts of things. 

“Edoardo Bove was also here this morning, who has terminated his contract and will now go and play in England. This is at least some positive news for the lad, who will finally return to playing football, which is what he so strongly desires. Bad news and positive news.”

Then, looking ahead to Sunday’s match against Torino, Gasperini believes that his Roma side are in better shape compared to a few weeks ago. 

“Better than the last 15 or 20 days, between the end of December and January, because Ndicka has come straight back in and we’re past the suspensions to Hermoso, Mancini and Cristante,” Gasperini said. 

“Pellegrini will return in attack and most likely Ferguson will also come back in: He’s taken a big bruise but seems to have got over it after a week. He’ll train today and could be called up.” 

Roma have also been strengthened by the arrivals of Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz in January. 

“Two new players have come in, so we’ve definitely made up some of the numbers. We’ll go to Turin with regrets about the Coppa Italia exit, but this is the league. We’ve had excellent results and are in an excellent position, so it’s just another game. 

“On the two new players, Vaz has only done two training sessions and Malen only one. They are two completely different deals: One is clearly a very young guy with qualities we are going to discover. The other is Malen, who is a Dutch international and I’m very happy that he’s here. 

“It was a deal that was possible thanks to Ryan Friedkin, otherwise it would have been very difficult. It was a quick negotiation, we’re talking about a great player who I’m convinced will do very well here. He has the right characteristics, and like all players who come in, might need a bit of time to settle in and start playing consistently. 

“But, he’s a player who played a lot for Aston Villa and is a starter for the Netherlands national team. I’m convinced that they’ll like him a lot.” 

And when asked where he sees Malen slotting into the Roma line-up, Gasperini said: “We’ll see about that. We can’t look too far into the future. 

“He’s currently a centre-forward, that’s the role he prefers, where he can make the most of his speed and his ability to shoot with both feet. I think he has to play close to the goal.” 

And when asked if Roma can expect any more attacking signings during the January transfer window, Gasperini said: “No, this is something I keep repeating. I only talk exclusively with the owners. 

“Malen was a big opportunity. We contacted him immediately, he gave his immediate availability and it was all sorted in a short space of time. When, on the other hand, the process begins to become drawn out, it often becomes very difficult to see through.”