Full Breakdown
Roma Prepares for Europa League Clash Against Stuttgart
1/22/2026, 1:06:06 AM
Match Context and Team Fitness
Ahead of the Europa League match against Stuttgart, scheduled for 9:00 PM at the Stadio Olimpico, AS Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini addressed the media regarding the team's current fitness and strategy. He noted that the squad is generally in good shape, with the exception of Mario Hermoso, who is injured. Gasperini emphasized the importance of balancing the upcoming match with a challenging Serie A fixture against AC Milan shortly thereafter. He stated, “We’re doing well in the Europa League, but given Sunday’s results, we’ll be focusing more on the league.”
Focus on Growth Over Trophies
Gasperini expressed a pragmatic approach to the Europa League, stating, “I’m not focusing on winning the Europa League.” He highlighted the historical challenges faced by Italian clubs in European competitions, noting that the last Italian team to win the Europa League was Atalanta two years ago. He urged the team to prioritize self-improvement and development rather than solely aiming for trophies, which he believes can lead to disappointment.
Squad Development and Youth Integration
The coach discussed the recent termination of Leon Bailey's loan, attributing it to injuries that hindered his contributions. This situation opens up opportunities for young players like Niccolò Pisilli, Jan Ziolkowski, and Daniele Ghilardi to step up. Gasperini aims to establish a competitive core of 15 to 16 players while integrating youth talent to ensure sustainable growth. He remarked, “The development of young players isn't linear and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.”
Addressing Fan Punishments
Gasperini also commented on the potential travel ban for Roma fans following a recent incident, expressing concern that many passionate supporters could be unfairly penalized due to the actions of a few individuals. He stated, “It’s a huge disappointment. I don’t know if it’s the best punishment; for me, it’s not.” This reflects ongoing challenges in managing fan behavior in football.
Official Statements & Responses
In his statements, Gasperini reiterated the importance of focusing on the team's performance and growth rather than fixating on immediate results. He acknowledged the competitive nature of Serie A, with several teams, including Milan, Napoli, and Juventus, vying for top positions. He emphasized that Roma has earned its current standing through consistent effort.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Winning a European trophy nowadays has become really difficult for Italian clubs.” — Gian Piero Gasperini, AS Roma Coach
- “It's clear that no one wants to see incidents like those that occurred the other day on the motorway – they have no place in sport and football.” — Gian Piero Gasperini
- “The development of young players isn't linear and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and exclusively through performances, nothing else.” — Gian Piero Gasperini
What's Next
As Roma prepares for the match against Stuttgart, the focus remains on securing a strong performance that could bolster their chances in both the Europa League and Serie A. The upcoming match against AC Milan will also be pivotal in determining their league aspirations.