Massara: ‘Roma ready to take more opportunities to improve squad’

Roma director of sport Frederic Massara confirms they are ready to ‘evaluate other opportunities to further improve the squad’ ahead of tonight’s Europa League game with VfB Stuttgart.

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Bologna-Celtic on the Liveblog.

This represents a head-to-head for position, as both teams are on 12 points going into the penultimate round of the league phase.

Nonetheless, Gian Piero Gasperini makes seven changes to the starting XI from the weekend.

“There are many important games to be played, so we must dip into all the resources available within the squad,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s true that there are some changes this evening, but these are also lads who have done well so far, and we are confident.”

Donyell Malen scored on his debut in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Torino, but both he and fellow new signing Robinio Vaz are cup-tied for this phase of the Europa League.

Mario Hermoso, Artem Dovbyk, Stephan El Shaarawy and Angelino are also injured.

“We are evaluating whether there will be other opportunities to further improve the squad, perhaps with the priority on the attacking phase,” confessed Massara when asked if Roma plan any more signings.

“We already brought in Malen and Vaz, so if there are any more opportunities, we’ll try to take them.”

Evan Ferguson starts upfront, but there remain question marks over his future at Roma, especially after Leon Bailey was sent back to Aston Villa just six months into his loan.

“We are counting on all these lads who are growing. Niccolò Pisilli has over 50 games in the Roma jersey, and although very young, he proved that he can be decisive at this level. We have great faith in him.”

Meanwhile, Angelino has been out of action for several months after bronchitis resulted in complications.

“Now he is getting back into the squad, he’s improving his condition, and we are confident he’ll be ready as soon as possible.

“The good thing is that he is already training with the rest of the team, so his fitness levels are decidedly improving.”