ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 23: AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini gives instructions to his team during the match between AS Roma and FC Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 at Stadio Olimpico on October 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini is focusing solely on Roma’s next game against Milan, rather than the title race, and revealed that Evan Ferguson will be sidelined for “a week or two” with an ankle injury.
Gasperini previewed Roma’s away game in Milan during Saturday’s pre-match press conference.
The Giallorossi won 2-1 against Parma in midweek. Republic of Ireland international Ferguson was substituted early in the first half due to an ankle problem and will be sidelined for at least a week.
Roma team news ahead of the match against Milan
“Dubvik is feeling better,” Gasperini said via Sky Sports. “Ferguson has a sprained ankle and will be out for a week or two.”
“With Bailey, we accelerated a little bit. I didn’t expect him to play this much after not working out for months. But he has recovered effectively from his injury, so it’s just a matter of form.”
Roma are tied with Napoli at the top of Serie A, while Milan are tied with Inter in fourth place with 18 points. Can Roma remain in the title race throughout the season?
“I don’t take part in discussions about the Scudetto or the Champions League,” Gasp replied.
“Right now I’m focused on how Roma will go against Milan. They’ve both had a great start and, like everyone, I think Inter and Napoli have started the season as favorites. Our aim is to test ourselves at San Siro against a strong team.”
“In terms of points, it’s hard to ask for more. Our goal is to continue to improve, build a strong team structure and become more competitive. We hope that the points we have gained will be useful.”
How will Roma try to stop Luka Modric, arguably Milan’s best player so far this season? Is there a possibility that Gasperini will use Brian Cristante as an attacking midfielder?
“It suits our style of play, but only Cristante,” said the Roma coach.
“Pellegrini did well there too. I don’t know if we will play like that. It will not be easy to contain Modric, but we have to focus on our game plan.”
Gasperini explains Roma’s rotation
“Roma also scored goals from several different players, which shows their teamwork and their ability to find goals in different ways,” Gasperini continued.
“A team that creates more chances will naturally have more players on the scoresheet.
“The midfield and the defense are pretty similar in every game. Like the wing-backs, it’s always the same players. We’re looking for different solutions, so we’ve increased the rotation up front. Initially, Dybala and Bailey were unavailable, but my first goal was to give solidity to the core of the team and then integrate the other players.”
“I always use five substitutes, even if I don’t like it. It’s a different kind of football now,” added the Roma manager.
“I don’t feel tired at the end of the game anymore. Before, the games were more fun and you had to know how to fight through 90 minutes. Now it feels more like basketball. I always make five substitutions, even if I don’t like it.”
Matthias Soule was one of Roma’s best players to date.
“He’s doing well and he’s the one who’s playing more,” Gasperini insisted.
“He burns off his energy by sprinting and dribbling past opponents. He always performs at a high level. Even if he gets sent off midway through, it never hurts.”
Finally, Gasperini was asked why Lorenzo Pellegrini is not a regular starter, to which the Roma manager firmly replied: “He’s playing and doing well. What’s the problem? Let’s take advantage of what we have and stop talking about whether he’s a starter or not. Who will we pass? If Pellegrini says he has to play, then he should also tell us who should play.”
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