Gian Piero Gasperini insists Roma will not prioritize Serie A ahead of their Europa League clash with Bologna despite an injury crisis in attack. “Donyel Mullen’s case is very rare.”
The match kicks off on Thursday at 17.45 GMT (18.45 CET) at the Dalara Stadium.
ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini watches the Serie A match between Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at the Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paul Bruno/Getty Images)
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The second leg will take place next week at the Stadio Olimpico as we know only one Italian team will reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
It has been confirmed that Roma will be without the suspended Mancini, plus the injured Matias Sule, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbek and Evan Ferguson, but Mario Hermoso is also on the list.
Gasperini reduces Roma options
GENOA, ITALY – MARCH 8: Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini watches before kick-off of the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AS Roma at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Getty Images)
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Gasperini explained at a press conference: “We will see tomorrow. At the moment Hermoso is available and available, but he has been out for a while, so we will see if he starts or comes as a substitute.”
“At least one Italian team is definitely going to advance. It’s true that Italian teams are not doing well in Europe this season, and if you add in the struggles of the national team, it will be even worse, so obviously it’s not a coincidence.”
“We all need to dig deeper and explain what the problem is, the coach, the club and probably the media. It’s not a tactical issue, the deeper issue probably stems from the academy and the way the team is set up.”
ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini hugs Como 1907 head coach Cesc Fabregas before the Serie A match between Roma and Como 1907 at Stadio Olimpico on December 15, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paul Bruno/Getty Images)
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Considering he won the Europa League with Atalanta and Roma will battle Como for fourth place in Serie A this weekend, is this a priority for them?
“Every game is important, we can’t make calculations, but take it one game at a time and try to give the best in every game,” the coach replied.
“Both competitions are a priority and maybe a few weeks ago we had the Coppa Italia so Serie A is considered a priority, but we never thought of giving up anything.
“I don’t see any way to put less effort into the game. We may not play as well in some games as others, but that’s not our choice.”
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January’s signings have had a huge impact, most notably striker Mullen, who is finally available for the Europa League with Roma after taking part in league-level cup competitions with Aston Villa.
Gasperini confirmed: “We are scoring more goals and this trend is positive, also thanks to the arrival of Malen, who makes us more dangerous in attack.”
“We did lose a couple of key players on offense, but Mullen gives us something extra. Brian Zaragoza needs time to adapt, he’s only been here a month, so it’s very rare for someone like Mullen to break out on a new team.”
“With Dybala and Sule out, we have to rotate players into these supporting roles. Lorenzo Pellegrini plays there most consistently, but Lorenzo Venturino, Robinho Vaz and Stephan El Shaarawi can all play there.”
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With his contract expiring, has Gasperini spoken to Pellegrini about his future?
“No, it’s not something we need to discuss now because this is the fundamental phase of the season and we need to focus on the pitch.”
Can Mullen and Watts start together tomorrow?
The coach smiled and said, “Everything is possible.”
