Gian Piero Gasperini notes Bryan Cristante gives Roma ‘different variables’ for the trip to Napoli, while a victory at the Stadio Maradona would ‘be another show of strength.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST).
The Giallorossi saw their mood boosted by a midweek 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, but it came at a price.
Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered a serious thigh tear and will be out for several months, joining Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar on the absentee list.
Gasperini glad to have Cristante back
“It’s a top level fixture with many important players, two of the best teams in the league, so it’s a big game,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia.
Cristante returns to the starting XI for the first time in over a month, but there are some doubts over the tactical set-up.
It remains to be seen who is in the more advanced role out of Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli today, in support of Donyell Malen and Matias Soulé, as it’s possible Cristante is going to follow Napoli playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
“Cristante is an important player because we often had to use the same figures in that role due to injuries, he also makes us a more versatile team, because we can play with two in midfield and push someone else forward. He can give us different variables during the match,” confirmed Gasperini.
Roma have not beaten Napoli since a 2-0 home result in December 2023, managing three draws and two losses.
Their most recent victory in Naples was a 4-2 thriller in March 2018, followed by four stalemates and as many defeats.
“It is early days in the season, but undoubtedly if we win away to Napoli, it would be another show of strength and a big push forward in terms of self-belief.”