Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has described Saturday’s Serie A meeting with Atalanta as a “test of strength” as the Giallorossi prepare to welcome his former club to the Stadio Olimpico. The fixture kicks off a demanding sequence that will also see Roma face Inter, Como, Napoli and European giants Real Madrid before mid-October.
Argentina forward Paulo Dybala remains the key fitness concern. Gasperini confirmed that the playmaker will undergo a fitness test after dealing with a minor physical issue. “Dybala has not had anything particularly serious, but he will try today,” the coach said, speaking via TuttoMercatoWeb. Gasperini added that the most important thing is for Dybala to feel calm and sure he can play.
Squad updates
Defender Evan Ndicka is expected to be available for selection, offering Gasperini some defensive reassurance. The situation is less encouraging for captain Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is still working his way back to full health and may not appear before the international break.
With matches arriving in quick succession, Gasperini acknowledged he will manage his resources on a game-by-game basis. “The programmes can be made, but you are never sure,” he explained. The coach noted that if a player has a small problem, he prefers to save him and select someone who is feeling very well.
Fixture carries extra weight
Gasperini believes the Atalanta clash offers an early gauge of Roma’s ambitions rather than a routine league outing. He labelled it “a test of strength” and suggested it is “a match worth the Champions League”. The coach also pointed out that Atalanta are “a team of great value that has started well”, with Roma facing several top sides during the first 12 matches.
Roma have made a positive start to the season and will be eager to protect that momentum. A strong result against Atalanta would provide an ideal platform ahead of difficult domestic assignments and the Champions League opener at home to Real Madrid on October 14.
Dressing room unity
Beyond tactics and selection, Gasperini praised the mood inside the Roma camp. “This is an environment where you have the pleasure of coming every morning,” he said. The coach highlighted that the absence of disagreements and the pleasure of working together make the atmosphere extraordinary.
On the prospect of recruiting free agents after the transfer window closed, Gasperini appeared sceptical. “I think it is difficult,” he remarked, suggesting he is not expecting any new arrivals.