Gasperini: Dybala and Koné Ready as Roma Push for Champions League Places
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Paulo Dybala and Manu Koné are fit to return for Monday’s Serie A trip to Fiorentina, a boost as the club pursues a Champions League spot. The coach credited the squad for keeping Roma in contention and said the team improved during the week ahead of the Round 35 fixture. Owners’ attendance at training was described as a positive sign, with Gasperini indicating talks on both the season’s remainder and the future are expected.
Gasperini confirms Dybala and Koné fit for Fiorentina trip
Gasperini told reporters that both the Argentine forward Paulo Dybala and French midfielder Manu Koné have recovered from recent injuries and are available for selection. He said the pair trained well during the week, giving the coach more options for Monday’s match. Their returns remove two key fitness doubts as Roma prepare to face a Fiorentina side that has shown form in recent weeks.
Importance of Monday’s Serie A fixture
The match comes in Round 35 of the Serie A season, with only a handful of games remaining and crucial points on offer. For Roma, every result now carries extra weight in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Gasperini stressed that the team’s immediate focus is on the upcoming match rather than longer-term plans, underlining the urgency of securing points in the closing rounds.
Owners present at training and scheduled meeting
Club owners attended training this week, an appearance Gasperini described as an encouraging sign for both players and staff. The coach said he expects to meet with the ownership group at a later date to discuss not only end-of-season matters but also plans beyond the current campaign. His remarks suggested the club’s hierarchy may be preparing to take steps in the transfer market and structural planning as the season concludes.
Squad credited for keeping Roma in contention
Gasperini publicly thanked his players for maintaining Roma’s position in the standings and for their collective effort throughout the campaign. He highlighted the team’s attitude and resilience as key factors in remaining competitive against rivals targeting European spots. That praise followed his assertion that the squad’s performance over recent months has kept hopes of Champions League qualification very much alive.
Tactical impact of Dybala and Koné’s return
The availability of Dybala and Koné provides Gasperini with greater tactical flexibility, particularly in attack and midfield transition. Dybala’s creativity and goal threat can unlock defences, while Koné’s energy and ball-carrying offer a boost to midfield pressing and recovery phases. Gasperini will need to weigh match fitness and minutes for both players as he looks to balance immediate results with player welfare across the remaining fixtures.
Remaining schedule and the Champions League chase
With the season entering its final phase, Roma must maximise results in the remaining three league matches to improve their standing. The coach acknowledged the existence of two tracks: finishing the current campaign strongly and then turning attention to the club’s medium-term direction. Points rather than proclamations are the priority now, he said, as Roma aim to convert form and fit players into a consistent lineup.
Fan expectations and clarity on the club’s direction
Gasperini expressed awareness that supporters want transparency about Roma’s plans, both for the closing weeks and beyond. He pledged to be as clear as possible while emphasising that discussions about long-term strategy will follow once the season concludes. The coach’s comments appear aimed at calming uncertainty and signalling a coordinated approach between the technical staff and ownership.
Roma enter the Fiorentina match bolstered by two returning internationals and the visible support of the club’s owners, but the emphasis remains on securing crucial points in the final rounds. Gasperini and his squad have put themselves in a position to press for a Champions League berth, and how they manage player fitness and tactics in the coming weeks will be decisive. The immediate test at Fiorentina offers a measure of Roma’s readiness and of the direction the club will take as the season winds down.
