Roma faces a challenging matchup against Bologna this week, navigating a significant injury crisis in the attack. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to rotate his squad, relying heavily on Donyell Malen’s form while integrating several younger players into the starting lineup. The team’s ability to secure a top-four finish may hinge on Malen’s continued performance and the successful integration of new talent.
The situation is particularly acute in the forward positions, with several key players sidelined. Gasperini acknowledged the difficulties in building a consistent attacking line, stating the team has lost five players compared to the first half of the season, including Stephan El Shaarawy. Despite these setbacks, Gasperini believes the team is adapting and finding ways to compete, emphasizing the importance of managing available resources effectively.
Gasperini will be without Dovbyk, Ferguson, Soulé, and Dybala for the match against Bologna due to injury. Lorenzo Venturino, who started in the previous match, is unavailable for selection as he is not on the UEFA list. This necessitates a reshuffling of the attack, with Bryan Cristante and Bryan Zaragoza potentially playing key roles in supporting Malen.
Injury Concerns and Expected Return of Hermoso
A significant boost for Roma is the return of Mario Hermoso, who is available after a period out of action. However, Gasperini cautioned that Hermoso’s fitness levels are uncertain after limited training. “We’ll have to see how he performs tomorrow,” Gasperini said. “He’s had very little training, so we don’t know if he’ll be ready to play the whole match.” His availability is timely, filling the void left by the suspended Gianluca Mancini.
The defense is projected to feature Ghilardi and Ndicka alongside Hermoso in a back three. If Hermoso is unable to start, Zeki Çelik could drop back into defense, potentially opening a starting spot for Devyne Rensch. The midfield is likewise expected to see changes, with Cristante’s potential move into a more advanced role allowing Niccolò Pisilli to start alongside Manu Koné.
Projected Roma Lineup
Based on Gasperini’s comments and recent team news, the projected starting lineup for Roma against Bologna is as follows:
ROMA (3-4-2-1): Svilar; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Hermoso; Çelik, Koné, Pisilli, Wesley; Zaragoza, Cristante; Malen.
Gasperini also highlighted the challenges of integrating players who arrive in January, noting that it typically takes time for them to fully adapt physically and tactically. He expressed confidence in Zaragoza’s potential, praising his assist in a recent match, but acknowledged the demand for patience as the Spaniard settles into the team. He also noted that Pellegrini is currently the most consistently playing member of the attack, with Venturino, El Shaarawy, and Vaz all working to establish themselves.
Focus on Malen and Attacking Support
The reliance on Malen is evident, with Gasperini repeatedly emphasizing the need for support for the Dutch forward. Malen has been shining amidst Roma’s attacking crisis, becoming a crucial figure in a depleted forward line. Gasperini recognizes that securing a Champions League spot depends heavily on Malen maintaining his current form, comparing his impact to legendary strikers like Vialli and Ronaldo – though he acknowledged those comparisons may be somewhat exaggerated.
The team’s attacking struggles are reflected in their goal-scoring record, with only thirty-one goals scored so far this season, placing them among the lowest in the top teams. Gasperini is actively working to address this issue, rotating players and seeking to locate the right combinations to support Malen and unlock the team’s attacking potential.
Looking ahead, Roma will need to navigate this challenging period with tactical flexibility and a reliance on the players who are available. The return of injured players will be crucial, but in the meantime, Gasperini will focus on maximizing the contributions of those currently fit and integrating the new signings as quickly as possible. The match against Bologna will be a key test of Roma’s resilience and their ability to overcome adversity.
What are your thoughts on Roma’s chances against Bologna given their current injury situation? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below.
