Gasperini: Cristante gives Roma different options

Roma will face Napoli, one of the top sides in Serie A, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The match will kick off at 18.00 Turkey time. Gian Piero Gasperini reminded that Roma beat Slovan Bratislava 4-0 in their last Champions League match. However, the win came at a heavy cost. Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered a thigh muscle tear and will be out of action for several months. Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar are also on the injury list.

Cristante will start in the starting eleven for the first time in more than a month. The head coach admitted that there are still some doubts about the distribution of roles in midfield. Whether Cristante or Niccolò Pisilli will play further forward will become clear once the match begins. It is also seen as possible that Cristante will mark Napoli's playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.

Gasperini said Cristante is a player who is often used in the same role due to injuries. He said the player gives the team flexibility and offers different options during a match. Roma have not won against Napoli since losing 2-0 at home in December 2023. Recently, they have had three draws and two defeats.

Gasperini stressed that it is early in the season, but beating Napoli away would boost the team's confidence. According to the head coach, this result would be a big step in showing Roma's strength.