Gasperini: Ferguson and Dovbyk ‘always competing’, but two Roma players still injured | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini says that Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk are ‘always competing’ for a starting spot, while Leon Bailey and Paulo Dybala are the only unavailable players against Hellas Verona.

Roma coach Gasperini previewed tomorrow’s Serie A game against Hellas Verona at a press conference on Saturday.

Two Roma players to miss Verona game

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 14: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma competes for the ball with Alfonso Maripan Loaysa of Torino FC during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Torino FC at Stadio Olimpico on September 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Apart from Dybala and Bailey, there are no other issues. Everyone else has recovered and is available,” Gasp said via TMW.

“The squad is deep, and I’m not one for heavy rotations. Whoever is fit plays, especially in this period when we need consistency and fix the patterns we are working on. The team is improving from game to game. There are always five substitutions which are important and ensure the team stays competitive and fresh. There may be small rotations because we play on Sunday and Thursday, and then Sunday again. There can be minor changes, but my intention has never been to alter the team much.”

Roma have won four games in the opening five across all competitions, including the last two against Lazio in Serie A and Nice in Coppa Italia.

Gasperini was asked whether this has been the best start to the season in his career: “I don’t know if it’s the best. I never look at the stats,” he replied.

“This is certainly a good start in terms of results, but what matters the most is seeing a team that grows and adds something in every game. We are happy with the results, but we should not focus on that only. We must look further ahead, help the team grow, play better, and become more solid and confident.”

Gasperini mostly used a three-man defence during his nine-year spell at Atalanta, but sometimes switched to a four-man backline. The Italian tactician, however, seems to believe that it is still too early for such a tactical change at Roma.

“Right now, we need to consolidate certain certainties and then, gradually, add others. A game like tomorrow’s is dangerous,” he said.

“If you are sterile, you lack the drive, energy and strength to create danger. These teams have speed up front, players who shoot well, and they can be dangerous. We must have enthusiasm, strength and energy, not to play a game like we did against Torino, but to play at a different tempo.”

Gasperini: Ferguson and Dovbyk ‘always compete’

ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 21: Evan Ferguson of AS Roma argues with Reda Belahyane of SS Lazio the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico on September 21, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images)

There’s still a doubt on whether Ferguson or Dovbyk will start up front, as both strikers have yet to score for the first time this term.

“There isn’t one player ahead of another; they’re always competing depending on the periods, the moments and the games we face,” Gasperini said.

“Dovbyk seems to be improving athletically, certainly much more compared to the start of the season. He must be in his best shape to compensate for certain technical difficulties he has at the moment. If he reaches an optimal condition, he can also improve technically.”