The coach shared his perspective ahead of the Europa League match at the Stadio Olimpico, noting that key players Dybala and Bailey are unavailable, forcing the team to rely on a limited set of players.
Gian Piero Gasperini dismissed notions of fatigue, stating, “No exhaustion, just a need for greater focus.” He downplayed the idea of significant squad rotation for tomorrow`s Europa League group stage match against Lille at the Olimpico. While he hasn`t recovered Dybala or Bailey, some changes are expected due to the upcoming Sunday fixture against Fiorentina. During the pre-match press conference, Gasperini also praised Olivier Giroud, identifying him as the primary threat from the French side who have recently arrived in the capital.
Fatigue and Squad Shortage
“I didn`t observe physical fatigue against Verona,” the coach clarified. “The exhaustion was also psychological, as it`s not easy to recover from intense matches like a derby. Verona displayed greater reactivity than us, and scoring early might have influenced the game`s outcome. There was an extra day between Wednesday and Sunday`s match. Perhaps we underestimated Verona, but it proved to be a very difficult game. Nowadays, players consistently play three games a week, and they are accustomed to it. The only concern with such frequent matches is the risk of injuries, which, fortunately, haven`t affected us so far.” Gasperini then addressed the team`s limited options in certain areas of the pitch. “Who can play instead of Soulé? Currently, I have few alternatives in attack; our squad is thin. Both Dybala and Bailey are sidelined, forcing us to constantly use the same players. It`s unusual for me to finish matches with two midfielders playing as forwards, as happened in the derby or in Nice. The current situation compels me to do this, and I must consider it,” the former Atalanta coach candidly admitted.
Dovbyk or Ferguson?
For the center-forward role, there`s healthy competition between Dovbyk and Ferguson, though the Ukrainian currently appears to be higher in the pecking order. “Ferguson is a young player,” Gasperini noted. “He`s a 2004-born player, just 21 years old. He performed exceptionally well two years ago, but last year he faced difficulties due to an injury and changed teams in January. The aim is to help him recapture his early promise, given how well he started as a youngster. He`s working hard and applying himself. For me, playing many games is an advantage; it has always been that way. If you don`t start, you come on during the match, and vice-versa. Even at Bergamo, during games, these were the roles I often rotated; I recall Muriel often being decisive.” Gasperini also urged patience with Wesley: “We`re talking about a 22-year-old who played 30 consecutive matches for Flamengo, and his season should be ending, but it`s just begun here. The Italian league is different, but he immediately showed great athleticism and good ability to get into attacking positions. Given his age and drive, he can grow and become an important player.”
Olivier Giroud
Speaking of forwards, Gasperini will face Lille`s Olivier Giroud. His praise for the former AC Milan striker was effusive: “He is an incredible player. The objective is to keep him out of the penalty area, although he moves effectively all over the pitch. Three years ago with Milan, he did something extraordinary and was decisive in winning the Scudetto. There`s a trend of players who, perhaps a few years ago, might have been considered past their prime due to age, but now, we see in our league and elsewhere that the ability to train effectively and the quality of training have extended careers, allowing players who previously wouldn`t have been expected to compete at this age to continue performing at a high level.” However, Lille is more than just Giroud. “Genesio`s team is excellent, dynamic, and organized, playing with an offensive mindset. We will face a top-level opponent.”
