Santiago Castro Earns Start as Gasperini Navigates Serie A Injury Strain
Speaking in comments made to broadcast media ahead of kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico, AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini outlined the tactical rationale behind his team selection for the Serie A midweek fixture against Cagliari.
Gasperini addressed squad management considerations following a congested period that featured matches against Inter, Como, and Napoli. Paulo Dybala failed to recover in time to take a place on the substitutes’ bench, joining goalkeeper Mile Svilar, midfielder Manu Koné, and midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini on the list of unavailable players.
AS Roma
clubGasperini Emphasizes Squad Depth Amid Dense Midweek Schedule
When asked about managing player fitness and workload across back-to-back fixtures, Gasperini highlighted the physical demands placed on his squad.
“The difficulties we face are different in each game. When there are so many matches close together, there are going to be knocks and concerns, it is not the same thing as playing once a week. At the same time, it gives us an opportunity to spread the responsibility around and boost the confidence of many players in a competitive squad.”
The adjustment to the starting lineup saw striker Santiago Castro selected to lead the attack ahead of Donyell Malen, with Rodrigo Mora and Mario Hermoso named among the substitutes. The selection reflects Gasperini’s approach to managing key forward options during periods of elevated fixture density.
Cagliari
clubGasperini Warns of Cagliari Counter-Attacking Threats at the Olimpico
Addressing the tactical setup of the opposition, Gasperini evaluated Cagliari’s transition to a three-man defense and identified specific offensive threats to manage during the match.
“I expect Cagliari to remain positive, albeit with a more defensive set-up, but still ready to go on the counter-attack. We have to be wary of the pace of Alieu Fadera and M’Bala Nzola, but they have important options off the bench too. We’ve got to play with a high tempo, quality, and also clear heads.”
“With this schedule, it is inevitable, but it is also worth noting that Castro played two games ago and was decisive. We need to keep all our players in top shape.”
Maintaining defensive vigilance against fast transitions remains a central focus for Roma as they aim to convert recent performances into victories, having drawn three of their previous four Serie A fixtures.
The interview was broadcast live on DAZN Italia.