Roma players who could benefit from Gian Piero Gasperini

In our latest blog, we look into the Roma players who Gian Piero Gasperini could potentially improve further, due to his strong reputation in growing talent at Atalanta, whether that be an already proven
talent or one who had been disregarded by previous clubs.

Anyone who follows the beautiful game with a strong eye will expect Gasperini to add some forgotten talent from Europe and reinvigorate their career. A tactic employed by Roma when recruiting popular Director of Football and former Sevilla man, Monchi, which backfired with signings such as Patrick
Schick and Javier Pastore. The less said, the better…

But Gasperini has a good reputation for improving a team from within and he will soon find out who can be the cornerstones of his team and who will suit his system.

Here, we’ve picked out four players who could benefit from working under Gasperini.

Paulo Dybala – The creative maestro (if he stays)

Gasperini has a long history of giving creative attackers the space to shine, just ask the likes
of Papu Gómez or Josip Iličić. Paulo Dybala, when fit, remains one of the most technically
gifted players in Serie A.

With more runners around him and a system built on positional rotations, Dybala’s vision and flair could once again be central to a team with Champions League ambitions.

Bryan Cristante – A man without Roman adoration

Cristante played some of his best football under Gasperini during his breakout year at
Atalanta, scoring 12 goals in a dynamic midfield role. He’s now more of a stabilising
presence at Roma, but his versatility remains his biggest asset, occasionally dropping into
defence when required. Whether as a central midfielder, deep-lying playmaker, or even part
of a back three, Cristante’s tactical intelligence makes him a valuable cog in Gasperini’s
systems. Although often criticised by the Roma faithful, Bryan could potentially change
Giallorossi minds under Gasperini’s football, after all it is where Roma purchased him from
and where he began his ascent in the domestic game. The midfielder is currently expected
to enter his eighth season at the Olimpico (I know, eight, where has the time gone?!).

I anticipate him being used flexibly, often rotating positions mid-game depending on the
tactical needs, a role he may thrive in.

Manu Koné – The potential midfield engine

I think I potentially speak for all Romanisti when I say this is potentially the one we are all
excited to see under Gasperini. Last summer’s arrival from Borussia Mönchengladbach has
already impressed with his physicality, composure, and ability to break lines, all hallmarks of
a perfect Gasperini midfielder. Manu Koné is tailor-made for a high-octane pressing system.
His ability to win duels, carry the ball forward, and cover ground would make him a
guaranteed starter in a two-man midfield.

Koné could evolve into the Koopmeiners-style force in Gasperini’s Roma, or at least we hope!

Evan Ndicka – The defender with growing popularity

Perhaps no role is more important in Gasperini’s back three than the outside centre-backs,
who are expected to push into midfield, carry the ball forward, and support wing-backs. Evan
Ndicka has the athleticism, ball-carrying ability, and defensive instincts to excel on the left of
the back three.

Ndicka struggled at times under previous systems that demanded more positional rigidity,
but Gasperini’s willingness to let defenders step into midfield and break lines with passes or
dribbles could unlock a more confident, attacking version of the Ivorian.

However, there is a chance he will potentially not be here come the season opener, let’s
hope this isn’t the case…