Gasperini: ‘As of today Ferguson is a Roma player’ Milan more important than Europa League

Roma host VfB Stuttgart in a Europa League game tomorrow, but coach Gian Piero Gasperini admits the Giallorossi require ‘greater focus’ on Sunday’s Serie A match against Milan.

Roma coach Gasperini spoke to the media on Wednesday ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League encounter with VfB Stuttgart.

“The team is doing well, apart from Hermoso, who is injured, and the usual minor knocks,” Gasp said via Roma’s official website.

“Other than that, the group is going through a good physical moment. Tomorrow’s match comes very close to Sunday’s game against Milan, which at this moment represents a fixture that requires greater focus.”

New signings Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz won’t be available until the knockout-phase begins, so Paulo Dybala is expected to start up front.

“Paulo had already done very well at a certain point in the season,” Gasperini said.

“Then he first had the flu and later suffered a physical setback, situations that take a bit longer for him to fully recover his form. He’s feeling good, he has recovered, and he’s able to make his contribution. Clearly, as the years go by, something may be lost in terms of speed compared to a few seasons ago, but he has the ability to play and, especially if supported by his teammates, he can be a decisive player.”

Evan Ferguson will also be available tomorrow, having recovered from an injury.

“I’ll just say that he’s a player who has recovered from a heavy knock he suffered in the last home match, and therefore, he will be available tomorrow,” confirmed Gasperini.

“As of today, he is a Roma player, and every opportunity is useful to provide good performances. Lately, he has shown positive things, also scoring a couple of important goals. Tomorrow I expect a performance in line with the last matches he has played.”

Gasp also confirmed that Leon Bailey’s return to Aston Villa was mostly due to his terrible injury record at the Olimpico.

Roma are just one point below the top eight in the Europa League standings and sit fourth in Serie A, three points above Juventus and four below second-placed Milan.

“We have always played to achieve the maximum, and we know that, apart from Inter, who are ahead, there are many teams very close. Milan, Napoli, Juventus and I’d also include Como, who have a decent advantage over Bologna and Atalanta,” Gasperini concluded.

“We have earned this spot in the table. We’ll do everything to defend it and, if possible, improve it. Everything starts from one consideration: today we also have a higher perception of ourselves, compared to some time ago, and that’s an important aspect.”