Gasperini on Dovbyk, Dybala, Sancho and opportunity for 16-year-old Arena | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini addressed a number of topics during his pre-match press conference on Friday, including the transfer situations surrounding Artem Dovbyk and Jadon Sancho, plus the role that Paulo Dybala has to play and a potential opportunity for 16-year-old striker Antonio Arena.

The Giallorossi are due to take on newly-promoted Pisa in Serie A on Saturday evening, kicking off at 19.45. Here is what Gasperini had to say ahead of that test.

Gasperini on Bologna victory and Ziolkowski

Roma are coming in off the back of a solid 1-0 victory over Vinvenzo Italiano’s Bologna thanks to a goal from summer signing Wesley last time out in Serie A.

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Wesley Franca of AS Roma (hidden) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on August 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“The most important thing was the team’s response. They’ve always followed and believed over the last two months. Beyond the performance in the first game of the season, I’ve also seen great spirit. This is the foundation,” Gasperini told the press, reported via TMW.

“We’re happy to have won, but now we have to follow it up starting from tomorrow, which is a tricky match. It will be another good game. There will be things to improve from game to game. The window closes on Monday.”

Gasperini was also asked for his opinion on new Giallorossi recruit Jan Ziolkowski. Gasperini revealed that he had little to do with the signing, and that the young defender was a player identified by sporting director Ricky Massara.

“Massara discovered Ziolkowski. I trust him. He’s a profile that has been requested, I’ve only seen him on video. He will certainly have room, we will see what his development will be like. We hope he can reach a high level.

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 04:Frederic Massara of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC MIlan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 04, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I’ve always thought that the team must have a solid group of young people to be sustainable. Maybe even a few more. It would be a success to not only identify them on the transfer market, but also to create them in-house. I don’t know if that means we’d spend less, but it’s a sustainable philosophy. You need to have the foundations in place, though, otherwise the young players won’t grow.”

Gasperini was asked if he has any specific goals in mind when it comes to Champions League qualification, or this year’s Europa League campaign.

“I’ve never thought about these goals,” Gasperini insisted. “We want to be competitive. We can’t talk about the window yet, we’re focussed on tomorrow’s match. There is still time for the rest.”

Gasperini on Roma’s attacking options including 16-year-old Arena

WALSALL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on prior to the pre-season friendly match between Aston Villa and AS Roma at Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on August 06, 2025 in Walsall, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

When asked about the make-up of Roma’s attack for Pisa, Gasperini revealed that there could be an opportunity for young 16-year-old striker Antonio Arena, born in Australia and recently signed from Pescara.

“Roma’s attack tomorrow will be made up of Ferguson, Dovbyk, Dybala, El Shaarawy, Baldanzi and Soule. There’s also (Antonio) Arena, who’s intrigued me and so I will have him on the bench to start getting to know him.”

Gasperini also joked when asked about the situation surrounding Roma and their pursuit of Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho.

“Call him if you have his number,” Gasperini joked. “You seem to know everything. I don’t know what the margins are now.

“Sancho is a possibility, we are a possibility for him. If that is not the case, he’ll stay where he is,” the Roma boss confirmed.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Manchester United player Jadon Sancho in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on August 26, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Asked if there are two Roma teams, one with Paulo Dybala and one without him, Gasperini replied: “I think there is one Roma, and then Dybala can bring added value when he’s in top condition. No player is unsettling for the team. Roma must have identity and strength regardless of the individuals.”

And on Artem Dovbyk, who has been linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico in the final days of the transfer window, Gasperini said: “He was positive with me, he’s always worked very hard. I don’t have any notes for him: I expect him to bring his energy tomorrow to help the team achieve the desired result.”