Gasperini explains Roma rotations in attack but Ferguson out for ‘one or two weeks’

Gian Piero Gasperini is only focused on Roma’s next game against Milan and not in the title race and reveals Evan Ferguson will remain out of action for ‘one or two weeks’ due to an ankle injury.

Gasperini previewed Roma’s away game at Milan during a pre-match press conference on the eve of the game on Saturday.

The Giallorossi secured a 2-1 win over Parma mid-week. Republic of Ireland international Ferguson was subbed off early in the first half due to an ankle problem, and he’ll remain out of action for at least one week.

“Dovbyk is improving. Ferguson has an ankle sprain and will remain out of action for one or two weeks,” Gasperini said via Sky Sport.

“As for Bailey, we accelerated a bit. I didn’t think he’d play so much after months of inactivity. But it’s just about shape because he has effectively recovered from his injury.”

Roma are the Serie A table leaders alongside Napoli, while Milan sit fourth, level on 18 points with Inter. Can Roma remain in the title race for the entire season?

“I’m not taking part in these discussions about the Scudetto or the Champions League,” Gasp replied.

“Right now, I’m focused on how Roma will approach the match against Milan. We’ve both had an excellent start. Then, like everyone, I think Inter and Napoli began the season as the favourites. Our goal is to test ourselves at San Siro against a strong team.

“In terms of points, it’s hard to ask for more. The goal is to keep improving, building a solid team structure and becoming increasingly competitive. We hope the points we earn will be effective.”

How will Roma try to stop Luka Modric, probably Milan’s best player so far this season? Could Gasperini use Bryan Cristante as an attacking midfielder?

“It suits our style of play, but only Cristante,” said the Roma boss.

“Pellegrini has done well there too. I don’t know if we’ll play that way. Modric isn’t easy to contain, but we have to focus on our own game plan.

“Roma have also scored through several different players. It’s a sign of teamwork and the ability to find goals in different ways,” Gasperini continued.

“A team that creates more chances will naturally have more players on the scoresheet.

“Midfield and defence have been quite similar in every game. It’s always the same players, just like the wing-backs. We’ve rotated more up front because we are looking for different solutions. At the beginning, Dybala and Bailey were not available. But my initial goal was to give solidity to the team’s core and then integrate others.

“I always use five substitutions even if I don’t like them. It’s a different kind of football now,” added the Roma coach.

“There’s no more late-game fatigue; matches used to be more enjoyable, and you had to know how to last for the full 90 minutes. Now it feels more like basketball. Even if I don’t like it, I always use five substitutions.”

Matias Soulé has been one of Roma’s best players so far.

“He is doing well and he’s the one who is playing more,” Gasperini argued.

“He burns energy by sprinting and dribbling past opponents. He always puts in high-level performances. When he’s subbed off, it’s never by demerit.”

Lastly, Gasperini was asked why Lorenzo Pellegrini is not a regular starter, but the Roma coach replied firmly: “He plays and does well. What’s the problem? Take the good of what we have, and let’s stop talking about starters and not starters. Who would you take out? If you tell me Pellegrini has to play, you should also tell me who should come out.”