Gasperini's New Roma: Lineup Secrets & Dybala's Return

Well, here we are. A new season, a new manager, and what feels like a completely new Roma. The Gasperini era is officially upon us, and the first test is a home fixture against Bologna. The sense of a fresh start is palpable, and the manager himself has made it clear just how much has changed in a short time. This isn't just a minor tune-up; it's a significant overhaul.

Key Highlights

• ✓ The Gian Piero Gasperini era officially kicks off with a completely revamped Roma squad.
• ✓ A fluid 3-4-2-1 formation is expected, with a focus on tactical flexibility during matches.
• ✓ Paulo Dybala is back in the squad after a five-month injury layoff but isn't expected to play a full 90 minutes.
• ✓ Young striker Evan Ferguson appears to have the edge over Artem Dovbyk to lead the line against Bologna.
• ✓ Around ten players have departed since last season, with five new outfield players joining the Giallorossi.

Gasperini pointed out that compared to the final match against Torino just three months ago, three starters and about six or seven subs are no longer with the club. That’s a massive turnover. With around ten players gone and five new ones in (one of whom, Leon Bailey, is already injured), it's a team that's still finding its identity. As the gaffer put it, "It’s certainly a very different Roma team."

A New Tactical Blueprint

If you're familiar with Gian Piero Gasperini's work, you know that tactical rigidity isn't his style. He's bringing that same philosophy to the capital. While the team will likely line up in a 3-4-2-1 on paper, the reality on the pitch is going to be far more fluid. Gasperini wants a team that can adapt on the fly, seamlessly switching between two different formations during a match based on the opponent and the game's flow.

He mentioned that this isn't just about player preference but about "adapting to the situation depending on our opponents." The goal is to make these transitions feel natural for the players, something that will take time and repetition to perfect. "The more you play, the more you assimilate the ideas and the easier it is for you to be flexible," he explained. It’s an exciting prospect, but one that will require patience as the squad gets up to speed.

💡 Gasperini's Vision: "Ideally I want our team to be able to play two different formations comfortably, and switch between the two during the match if needed, in a way that’s easy for the players. It takes a few games."

The Engine Room: Reimagined Wing-Backs

A huge part of any Gasperini system is the role of the wing-backs. When asked how his new wide men compare to the ones he had at Atalanta, he gave a fascinating answer. He emphasized that every player is different, from Conti and Spinazzola to Gosens and Hateboer. He doesn't expect Angelino, Wesley, and Devyne Rensch to be carbon copies of his former players.

Instead, the focus is on maximizing their unique qualities. "We have to try and get the most out of them and the qualities they have," he said. This adaptability is key to his approach. It’s not about forcing square pegs into round holes but about building a system that allows each player to thrive based on their individual strengths. It’s a sign of a manager who understands his personnel deeply.

The Jewel is Back, But With a Caveat

Now for the big news everyone has been waiting for: Paulo Dybala is back. After a grueling five months on the sidelines, "The Jewel" has finally rejoined training and is available for selection. His last competitive match was way back on March 16 against Cagliari, where an injury to his left semitendinosus tendon required surgery and ended his season prematurely.

His recovery has been steady, with minutes in friendlies against Neom (56 minutes) and Trastevere, where he even bagged a couple of goals in a 14-0 win. While he has the medical all-clear, Gasperini is rightly being cautious. "I don’t think he can play 90 minutes. He’ll either start or come off the bench," the manager stated. It's a sensible approach to ease one of the team's most important players back into the demanding rhythm of Serie A.

His return isn't just a massive boost for Roma; it's also great news for Argentina. National team coach Lionel Scaloni had to leave him out of the last World Cup Qualifiers due to his lack of match fitness. With Dybala back on the pitch, he's a strong candidate to return to the Albiceleste for the international window in October. Since joining Roma in 2022, he's been immense, racking up 42 goals and 22 assists in 113 appearances.

Decoding the Starting XI

So, who actually gets the nod for the season opener? Gasperini has been tight-lipped, but we can piece together some clues from his comments. He's clearly excited about the crop of young talent Roma has brought in, describing them as "players who Roma wanted to build the future around." He noted their youth—Neil at 24, Ghilardi at 22, Wesley at 21, and Ferguson at 20—but also praised their experience and potential.

Defense and Midfield Surprises

In defense, it looks like newcomer Daniele Ghilardi is set for a debut start alongside stalwarts Mancini and Ndicka. This is partly out of necessity, as Zeki Çelik is suspended for this match. The situation with Mario Hermoso remains a bit of a mystery, but Gasperini's kind words for him suggest he could still have a future at the club.

One of the bigger surprises could be at right wing-back, where Devyne Rensch might get the start over fellow newcomer Wesley, who could begin the match on the bench. The midfield trio is expected to be Koné, Cristante, and Angeliño, forming the core of Gasperini's engine room. Up front, due to injuries to Bailey and Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Dybala’s fitness situation, we could see El Aynaoui pushed into a more advanced attacking midfield role.

The Battle for the Striker Spot

The most intriguing decision is who will lead the line. It seems Evan Ferguson has won the job for now. Gasperini spoke about both him and Artem Dovbyk, calling them "fine instruments" that are different in their own ways. He noted that both are improving, but his comments on Ferguson were particularly telling.

He sees Ferguson as a classic example of a young player who exploded onto the scene a couple of seasons ago before hitting a "bit of a lull" due to injury or other factors. The manager seems genuinely motivated by the challenge, viewing Ferguson as "the classic example of a player you can help get back up to the level he was at a few years ago." That's a huge vote of confidence and suggests he'll be given a real chance to shine.

Conclusion

The bottom line is this: we're heading into the unknown. This Roma team is a work in progress, filled with new faces, a new system, and a manager determined to build something flexible and dynamic. The opener against Bologna will be our first real glimpse into what the Gasperini era will look like. From Dybala's carefully managed return to the faith placed in young talents like Ferguson and Ghilardi, there are storylines everywhere you look.

Gasperini himself summed up the feeling perfectly: "I hope this is a better Roma team but we’ll find out along the way." There are no guarantees, only possibilities. And for the first time in a while, that uncertainty feels exciting. It's a new chapter, and the first page is about to be written at the Stadio Olimpico.