Dybala moves closer to Cagliari return after positive Trigoria training test

Paulo Dybala remains sidelined as his recovery timeline stretches, and Gian Piero Gasperini is unsure whether the forward will be available for the match against Sassuolo. The Argentine has a calf problem that has not cleared up. He had returned to group training on Sunday, but he stayed out again this evening and will also miss the games against Manchester United and Udinese. Gasperini, speaking at his press conference, admitted he is concerned about the situation. Dybala had looked close to returning, which made the setback more frustrating for the coaching staff. Roma are planning around both Dybala and Manu Koné for the trip to Sassuolo, but the head coach is not certain it will be possible. Gasperini said: "I was confident after training on Monday. Paulo takes a bit of time to recover from injuries. We thought it would take less time, but that hasn't been the case. With him and Koné we are aiming for Sassuolo, but I don't know if it will be possible." There is still no news on Dybala's fitness. There is better news on Nahuel Molina's teammate Leonardo Balerdi, who has no problem after a heavy blow he suffered in Naples and missed the last match. Balerdi will be available on Saturday.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke after his side's 2-1 win over Cagliari in Serie A's ninth round, and he said that a heavy run of matches means knocks are inevitable. Roma have now played six matches in a row, every two to three days. Gasperini said: "In diverse situazioni… capita quando giochi tante partite. Questa era la sesta di continuo ogni 2-3 giorni, qualche giocatore te lo trovi stanco contro un avversario fresco come Maldini." The Roma boss praised the way his squad has been used and the depth available to him. Gasperini noted that Balerdi and Hermoso came off injured against Napoli and must now be recovered, and that Cristante, back after a spell out, played 180 minutes in three days. He said: "Anche noi abbiamo tante risorse, abbiamo tante partite e per questo cerchiamo di ruotare." He added: "Grande merito aver vinto oggi, giochiamo con gli stessi da non so quante partite." On the Cagliari game itself, he admitted that some players were struggling and that Cagliari's forwards were fresher, adding: "Alcuni giocatori loro in attacco erano più frechi e ci creavano difficoltà." He said the win came partly through substitutions and partly through the willingness of everyone. On the squad as a whole, Gasperini said: "Sono contento perché tutti sono soddisfatti di quanto giocano, nessuno escluso. Queste partite valgono tre punti come le altre, in questo momento nella rosa sono tutti partecipi e determinanti, anche Gollini." He stressed that Wesley was not on the pitch in the first half and called it a major strength. On Gollini, he said: "Non avrebbe fatto 112 partite con me se non fosse stato un portiere di livello." He added: "Da vicino è straordinario, a volte prende gol dalla distanza ed è sempre stato un suo limite. Ma è un portiere di grande valore." Gasperini also said that Ghilardi has been playing well recently and will get more minutes, and that Lulli trained on heading the day before and scored with his head. On Mora, he said: "Utilizzato così è una mina vagante, lo è stato anche a Napoli." He noted that Paulo Dybala takes time to recover from injuries, saying: "Pensavamo che ci sarebbe voluto di meno ma così non è stato." Roma have scored 23 goals in nine matches, which Gasperini called "una bella cifra", against 10 at this stage last year. Gasperini also gave his view on the rule changes, saying: "Le partite sono più aperte ed è frutto in gran parte di queste regole che sono cambiate." Looking ahead, he said Roma aim to face Sassuolo with Dybala and Koné, but added: "Con lui e Koné puntiamo il Sassuolo ma non so se sarà possibile." Asked about Malen starting on the bench, he said the decision was linked to the schedule and that Castro had played two games earlier and been decisive.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has spoken to Dazn ahead of the clash with Cagliari, admitting that the tight run of matches is taking a physical toll on his squad. Gasperini said: "Sicuramente tutte le partite hanno difficoltà, diverse ma ci sono. È chiaro che giocare così ravvicinati genera acciacchi e strascichi. Non è la stessa cosa di giocare una volta a settimana. Però può dare fiducia ai giocatori, anche a quelli che giocano di meno. È una opportunità per loro." ("Every match brings difficulties, different ones, but they are there. It is clear that playing such closely spaced games creates knocks and aftereffects. It is not the same as playing once a week. However, it can give confidence to the players, even to those who play less. It is an opportunity for them.") Gasperini was asked whether today's fixture resembles the recent Genoa match and whether it is a chance to prove Roma are a great side. He expects Cagliari to be ready to push forward quickly, with their wide players and attack in the forefront of their game. He warned his side to be careful of Nzola and Fadera, noting that Cagliari have important substitutes. Roma, he said, must play with quality and tempo. Asked about leaving Donyell Malen out, which had seemed unthinkable, Gasperini said the decision was dictated by the schedule. He pointed to Santiago Castro, who played two matches ago and was decisive. Gasperini said: "È figlia del calendario questa scelta. E poi castro ha giocato due partite fa ed è stato determinante. In un calendario così fitto dobbiamo avere tutti i giocatori al meglio, non solo Malen." ("This choice is the child of the calendar. And besides, Castro played two matches ago and was decisive. In such a packed schedule we must have all our players at their best, not just Malen.")

Paulo Dybala remains sidelined as his recovery timeline stretches, and Gian Piero Gasperini is unsure whether the forward will be available for the match against Sassuolo. The Argentine has a calf problem that has not cleared up. He had returned to group training on Sunday, but he stayed out again this evening and will also miss the games against Manchester United and Udinese. Gasperini, speaking at his press conference, admitted he is concerned about the situation. Dybala had looked close to returning, which made the setback more frustrating for the coaching staff. Roma are planning around both Dybala and Manu Koné for the trip to Sassuolo, but the head coach is not certain it will be possible. Gasperini said: "I was confident after training on Monday. Paulo takes a bit of time to recover from injuries. We thought it would take less time, but that hasn't been the case. With him and Koné we are aiming for Sassuolo, but I don't know if it will be possible." There is still no news on Dybala's fitness. There is better news on Nahuel Molina's teammate Leonardo Balerdi, who has no problem after a heavy blow he suffered in Naples and missed the last match. Balerdi will be available on Saturday.

Roma bounced back from their draw at the Maradona with a win over Cagliari, as goals from Mora and Malen secured three points after Maldini had equalised. The result was Gasperini's ninth consecutive positive result of this Serie A start. Speaking to Dazn shortly after the final whistle, the head coach was happy with the performance despite a flat second half. Gasperini said: "Va molto bene così. Questa sera avevamo qualche elemento in difficoltà, che non aveva recuperato al meglio. Alcuni giocatori loro, soprattutto in attacco, erano più freschi e ci mettevano in difficoltà. Il motivo è solo questo. Anche in mezzo ultimamente abbiamo giocato sempre con gli stessi uomini, per 90' ogni volta, e si è vista un po' di fatica. E' un merito ancora più grande aver vinto questa partita, un po' con i cambi e un po' con la volontà di tutti. Soprattutto sull'1-0, abbiamo avuto un ottimo momento anche di gioco. Poi anche nel finale". On the depth of the squad, Gasperini praised Ghilardi, who had recently produced strong performances. He said Ghilardi "probabilmente doveva entrare prima", but a situation made the substitution difficult, as it would have been the first change after the interval. "Sta facendo bene, è cresciuto molto rispetto all'anno scorso e troverà sempre più spazio", he added. Balerdi and Hermoso were unavailable, having left the Napoli match battered, and Gasperini said the team needed to recover. Gasperini also noted the absence of Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini, and said Svilar had been less impressive while Gollini was "strepitoso". Cristante had returned after a month out and played two 90-minute matches in three days. Gasperini said: "Non avrebbe fatto 112 partite con me se non fosse stato un portiere di livello (ride, ndr). In una squadra che ha raggiunto anche la Champions e traguardi importanti. All'epoca era molto più giovane e anche più esuberante, diciamo, aveva magari meno spirito di lavorare e migliorarsi ed è stato un peccato. Già all'inizio era il terzo portiere della Nazionale. Ci siamo ritrovati a Roma e non ho mai avuto dubbi sulle sue qualità e potenzialità, abbiamo rimesso un po' di puntini a posto e da un'anno e mezzo a questa parte si allena benissimo. Sono molto felice per quello che ha fatto stasera e in queste ultime partite. Da vicino è straordinario, a volte prende gol dalla distanza ed è sempre stato un suo limite. Ma è un portiere di grande valore". On the youth products, Gasperini said: "Sono ragazzi straordinari. Nel settore giovanile della Roma ci sono sempre belle espressioni". Lulli had trained on heading the day before and scored with a header on Monday night, which Gasperini described as "non è il suo pezzo migliore, ma è stato straordinario". On Mora, Gasperini said: "Gli ho visto fare gol col Porto, simile a quello di stasera. E' piccolino, ma è molto coordinato e salta molto bene, oltre a colpire molto bene. Dà una frustata alla palla, questo è un gran gol". Asked about Mora's development, he said: "Deve formarsi dal punto di vista tecnico e fisico anche per giocare 90 minuti. Utilizzato così è una mina vagante, lo è stato anche a Napoli". Gasperini acknowledged some defensive lapses, explaining: "Questa era la sesta di continuo ogni 2-3 giorni, qualche giocatore te lo trovi stanco contro un avversario fresco come Maldini". On Dybala, he said the forward was confident after training on Monday, but recovery from injury was taking longer than expected. Gasperini added: "Con lui e Koné puntiamo il Sassuolo ma non so se sarà possibile". On Malen, he said: "Abbiamo fatto 23 gol in 9 giornate è una bella cifra. Lo scorso anno erano solo 10". He also commented on changes to Serie A, saying: "Hanno favorito il gioco del calcio, non si vede più una simulazione e i finali di partita si giocano".

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to reporters before and after his side's Serie A win over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, the ninth matchday fixture, and said the team's second-half dip came down to fatigue and injuries rather than anything more serious. Gasperini said: "It's going very well like this. Tonight we had some players who were struggling, who hadn't fully recovered. Some of their players, especially up front, were fresher and put us under pressure. That's the only reason." He added: "Our midfield has been playing the same men every time for 90 minutes, and you could see some fatigue. Winning this game is an even greater credit, partly through the substitutions and partly through the will of everyone." The win came without a number of key players. Gasperini confirmed that Balerdi and Hermoso were unavailable as they were not in condition to play, and said Roma need time to recover. He said: "It's not easy to play so many games without Dybala, Koné, and Pellegrini, who isn't here... Svilar a little less, Gollini was sensational." Cristante returned after a month out and played two 90-minute games in three days, which Gasperini said was a factor. He also described Cagliari as a difficult side. On goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, Gasperini said: "He wouldn't have made 112 games with me if he weren't a goalkeeper of quality." He recalled that Gollini had been the third-choice goalkeeper for Italy at the start, and said: "I never had doubts about his qualities and potential. We put a few things right, and for the past year and a half he has trained superbly. I'm very happy with what he did tonight and in these last games. Up close he is extraordinary, although sometimes he concedes from distance, which has always been a limit of his. But he is a goalkeeper of great value." Gasperini praised the club's youth products after Lulli's assist for Pisilli's goal. He said: "They are wonderful boys. The Roma youth sector always produces fine talents. Lulli was training to head the ball yesterday, and today he scored with his head. It isn't his best piece, but it was extraordinary." On Mora, he said: "I saw him score against Porto, similar to tonight's goal. He is small, but very coordinated and jumps very well. He strikes the ball with real force, and that is a great goal." Asked about Mora's recent role, Gasperini said: "I'm fortunate to see the training sessions, so I decide based on those. Having not played some matches, or having played little at the end, he reacted in the best possible way. He has this speed and quickness. He is still very young and must still develop physically to last longer and to start games, perhaps even for 90 minutes. But at the moment, used this way, he is an important weapon." He noted Mora had already played a few minutes at Napoli, taking part in the move for the equaliser, and added: "Compared to the start of the year he is clearly evolving. The header, despite his height, is a sign of that." Asked whether the team's defensive lapses had cost them, Gasperini agreed in part. He said: "Yes, it has happened in other situations too. This is our sixth match in a row played every three days. You can find players who have produced important performances and then find them tired. Koulierakis played tonight in his first match. Unfortunately Balerdi and Hermoso could not play. I think the Napoli game also left some marks and knocks. We now have to recover them." He concluded: "Winning and scoring goals of this type is a great sign of strength. Rather than the negatives, I would focus on that." Asked about the squad's depth and his own role, Gasperini said: "This is a great reward, but I am very happy for these players. All of them, without exception, feel fulfilled right now. Every match counts, not just the ones against Real Madrid, Como or Inter. These matches are worth three points just like the others. Right now every player in the squad is involved and decisive. Even Gollini, for example. Wesley was not in the starting line-up, he came on only later. That is certainly one of our strengths." On Dybala, Gasperini said he had been optimistic about the forward's availability for selection, having seen him train on Sunday and Monday, but the Argentine was not available tonight. He said: "Unfortunately, when Paulo has to recover from injury, it always takes a little longer." Asked whether Dybala could be available for the trip to Udine, he gave no firm answer in the interview.

Pierluigi Gollini, who was in goal for Roma, said the team's ability to win and take points despite not playing at their best is a major credit to the group, and that he had always known his own worth. Gollini made several key saves to keep the result intact, and he is about to hand the number one shirt back to Mile Svilar. Speaking to Dazn, he said: "Sono punti pesanti che ci permettono di stare lì, giocando tante partite non è facile e ci sta ogni tanto che manchi un po' di brillantezza." In English: "These are heavy points that allow us to stay in the race. Playing so many games is not easy, and it's understandable that now and then we lack a bit of brilliance." Gollini stressed that strong, solid sides with important objectives can still pick up points and win even when they are not playing well. "A volte abbiamo portato via un punto che valeva una vittoria, oggi siamo riusciti a portarne via tre. Questo è importante." That is: "Sometimes we have taken away a point that was worth a win; today we managed to take away three. This is important." He praised the squad, saying: "Questo gruppo sta dando tante risposte, sono sempre tutti a disposizione e al massimo." In English: "This group is giving many answers, everyone is always available and at their best." He added: "Questo è un grande credito che ci va dato." Meaning: "This is a great credit that we deserve." Asked whether he expected to see Lulli performing like this, Gollini replied: "L'ho visto in ritiro, tutti pensavamo avesse grande atletismo. La qualità delle scelte in avanti farà la differenza nella sua carriera. Imparare a fare le scelte giuste, sta a lui. Ora sta imparando anche a buttarsi dentro, ma è un bravissimo ragazzo e ha la testa sulle spalle. Ogni tanto lo devo riprendere per difendere, gli piace attaccare, ma è bravo e super-umile. Farà una grande carriera, ne sono sicuro." In English: "I saw him in training; everyone thought he had great athleticism. The quality of his decisions going forward will make the difference in his career. Learning to make the right choices is up to him. Now he's also learning to commit himself, but he is a very good lad with his head on his shoulders. Every so often I have to tell him to defend, he likes to attack, but he is good and super-humble. He will have a great career, I'm sure of it." On his own situation, Gollini said: "Ho giocato poco negli ultimi anni, ma in allenamento mi vedo e i miei compagni mi vedono. Il calcio va super veloce, bastano sei mesi e tutti pensano che tu sia morto. Anche quando non ho giocato, sono sempre stato in ambienti di grande livello e con grandi giocatori. Il mio valore l'ho sempre saputo." In English: "I've played little in recent years, but in training I see myself and my teammates see me. Football moves super fast, six months is all it takes and everyone thinks you're dead. Even when I haven't played, I have always been in top-level environments with great players. I have always known my own value." He added: "Mi dispiace per Mile, che tutti abbracceremo quando tornerà, ma sono contento di aver avuto il mio momento. L'importante è andare avanti e fare il meglio per questa squadra, stiamo facendo una bell'annata e bisogna continuare così." In English: "I feel for Mile, whom we will all embrace when he returns, but I am happy to have had my moment. The important thing is to move forward and do our best for this team; we are having a good season and we must keep it going."

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in their ninth Serie A match of the season, with Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen on the scoresheet. The result was made to look harder than it was by a performance that Giallorossi.net's player ratings describe as one of the least convincing of the season. Gollini, standing in for the injured Svilar, was named the best Roma player despite conceding twice, rated 7.5 for a string of saves, including a decisive stop on Adopo in the first half and another in the second half, mainly against Mendy. Mancini was given a 5, the lowest mark in the Roma side, after being repeatedly troubled by Fadera's acceleration. Ndicka (6) struggled against Nzola and Mendy, while Koulierakis (6) was solid without standing out. Lulli was the standout of the first half, rated 7.5. He headed in the equaliser and then supplied the pass that set up Pisilli for the go-ahead goal. Pisilli (6) was a mix of error and reward: his handball gave Cagliari a penalty, before he struck a powerful right-foot shot past Caprile to put Roma back in front. The match had been levelled by Obert, who beat Rensch in the move that brought the equaliser, after Rensch (5.5) came on in the 76th minute. De Roon (5.5) had a quiet game and was replaced by Rodrigo Mora in the 56th minute. Mora's introduction changed the match. He was rated 7 after starting on the right, a position that appeared to limit him, before Gasperini moved him to the left. He first scored with a towering header, then played the ball to Malen for the 4-2. Malen, who had wasted a clear chance set up by Mora, came on in the 56th minute and was rated 7 after firing a second right-foot effort past Caprile to seal the win. Molina (6.5) had a good first half, providing the right-foot cross for Lulli's goal, and Wesley (6) was rated 6 after coming on at half-time. Soulé (6) faded after a bright start, and Cristante (5.5) and Castro (5) both had poor games. Ghilardi (7) came on in the 83rd minute and delivered the cross for Mora's winner. Gasperini was rated 6.5. The article says Roma suffered against a strong Cagliari side and often looked close to conceding, but the coach's substitutions turned the game. Its concern was his decision to start Mora on the right and Soulé on the left, which Gasperini reversed at the break, after which Mora changed the match. The reviewer concluded: "Non sarà stata una bella Roma, ma proprio per questo i tre punti valgono ancora di più."

Roma bounced back from their draw at the Maradona with a win over Cagliari, as goals from Mora and Malen secured three points after Maldini had equalised. The result was Gasperini's ninth consecutive positive result of this Serie A start. Speaking to Dazn shortly after the final whistle, the head coach was happy with the performance despite a flat second half. Gasperini said: "Va molto bene così. Questa sera avevamo qualche elemento in difficoltà, che non aveva recuperato al meglio. Alcuni giocatori loro, soprattutto in attacco, erano più freschi e ci mettevano in difficoltà. Il motivo è solo questo. Anche in mezzo ultimamente abbiamo giocato sempre con gli stessi uomini, per 90' ogni volta, e si è vista un po' di fatica. E' un merito ancora più grande aver vinto questa partita, un po' con i cambi e un po' con la volontà di tutti. Soprattutto sull'1-0, abbiamo avuto un ottimo momento anche di gioco. Poi anche nel finale". On the depth of the squad, Gasperini praised Ghilardi, who had recently produced strong performances. He said Ghilardi "probabilmente doveva entrare prima", but a situation made the substitution difficult, as it would have been the first change after the interval. "Sta facendo bene, è cresciuto molto rispetto all'anno scorso e troverà sempre più spazio", he added. Balerdi and Hermoso were unavailable, having left the Napoli match battered, and Gasperini said the team needed to recover. Gasperini also noted the absence of Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini, and said Svilar had been less impressive while Gollini was "strepitoso". Cristante had returned after a month out and played two 90-minute matches in three days. Gasperini said: "Non avrebbe fatto 112 partite con me se non fosse stato un portiere di livello (ride, ndr). In una squadra che ha raggiunto anche la Champions e traguardi importanti. All'epoca era molto più giovane e anche più esuberante, diciamo, aveva magari meno spirito di lavorare e migliorarsi ed è stato un peccato. Già all'inizio era il terzo portiere della Nazionale. Ci siamo ritrovati a Roma e non ho mai avuto dubbi sulle sue qualità e potenzialità, abbiamo rimesso un po' di puntini a posto e da un'anno e mezzo a questa parte si allena benissimo. Sono molto felice per quello che ha fatto stasera e in queste ultime partite. Da vicino è straordinario, a volte prende gol dalla distanza ed è sempre stato un suo limite. Ma è un portiere di grande valore". On the youth products, Gasperini said: "Sono ragazzi straordinari. Nel settore giovanile della Roma ci sono sempre belle espressioni". Lulli had trained on heading the day before and scored with a header on Monday night, which Gasperini described as "non è il suo pezzo migliore, ma è stato straordinario". On Mora, Gasperini said: "Gli ho visto fare gol col Porto, simile a quello di stasera. E' piccolino, ma è molto coordinato e salta molto bene, oltre a colpire molto bene. Dà una frustata alla palla, questo è un gran gol". Asked about Mora's development, he said: "Deve formarsi dal punto di vista tecnico e fisico anche per giocare 90 minuti. Utilizzato così è una mina vagante, lo è stato anche a Napoli". Gasperini acknowledged some defensive lapses, explaining: "Questa era la sesta di continuo ogni 2-3 giorni, qualche giocatore te lo trovi stanco contro un avversario fresco come Maldini". On Dybala, he said the forward was confident after training on Monday, but recovery from injury was taking longer than expected. Gasperini added: "Con lui e Koné puntiamo il Sassuolo ma non so se sarà possibile". On Malen, he said: "Abbiamo fatto 23 gol in 9 giornate è una bella cifra. Lo scorso anno erano solo 10". He also commented on changes to Serie A, saying: "Hanno favorito il gioco del calcio, non si vede più una simulazione e i finali di partita si giocano".