“Young players must help us win,” Gian Piero Gasperini used these words in his press conference for Roma vs. Genoa.
Given the absences, the “green line” will be given center stage against the Rossoblu. The Grugliasco-born coach will field the new trio of Soulé, Castro, and Mora: an average age of 21 and a value of €120 million.
The match at the Olimpico becomes a testing ground in which these players will have to prove they are a viable alternative to the starters, and perhaps even develop over the course of the season into something more than players who can only be given playing time in emergencies. Today is more than just an opportunity for them, and they’ll have to make the most of it.
Castro is the player who decided to pay for a train ride out of his own pocket to speed up his arrival at Roma. And today he’ll start for the first time. After so many shots, hitting the posts, and missing chances, the new Giallorossi number 9 wants to celebrate the joy of scoring with the Roman fans.
Matias Soulé is called upon to build on his stellar performance against Real Madrid and prove he can be a key player in this team. He was on the verge of leaving this summer, but he’s overcome his groin pain and is now taking over the Giallorossi.
Mora, meanwhile, is coming off a wonder goal with Portugal U21 and a strong performance against Los Blancos: he’ll be tasked with igniting the Giallorossi attack against the Rossoblu with his play. But the green line doesn’t stop at the attack.
Also on the pitch will be 22-year-old Niccolò Pisilli, 23-year-old Wesley, and youngster Emanuele Lulli (born in 2007): in total, there will be only five players over 24. And several Primavera players will be on the bench, who could be given some playing time during the match. Gasperini is studying his options and is ready to impress.