Gasperini: ‘I don’t know if Dybala’s got 90 minutes in him’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini admits that Paulo Dybala might not ‘have 90 minutes in him’ as things stand, but is expecting a dedicated, hard-working performance from Roma when they go up against Torino in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.

Gasperini on Dybala and Roma expectations

The Giallorossi sit level at the top of the standings along with Napoli, Juventus and Cremonese with a perfect return of six points from their first two matches of the 2025-26 Serie A season.

Thus far, Gasperini and Roma have had to do without star player Dybala in the starting line-up for the first two matches of the season. The Argentine did come on in both games, and played the whole second half against Pisa last time out.

PISA, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between Pisa SC and AS Roma at Arena Garibaldi on August 30, 2025 in Pisa, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Here is what Gasperini had to say on Dybala’s current condition during his pre-match press conference on Saturday.

“Dybala has worked well, he’s improving and we saw it against Pisa. I don’t know if he’s got 90 minutes in him, but he’s in a good spot.”

And on summer signing Wesley, who is a slight doubt after reporting an issue while away on international duty with Brazil last week, Gasperini added: “Wesley had a little problem with Brazil, but there doesn’t seem to be anything serious. We’ll decide today.”

What does Gasperini expect to see from his Roma players against Torino on Sunday?

“We have to play for 90 minutes plus injury time. Games are always difficult, but we have to expect to play the whole game with maximum commitment. The league is very balanced this year. We’ve seen it in the last two games.”

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)

And has there been any further conversations with the ownership or senior management regarding Roma’s financial situation?

“No promises, just hard work. We have to work well, the situation is clear. We have to try and improve both technically and economically. I believe that by improving on the technical side of things, the rest will improve too. I’m no longer talking about the transfer window and various situations. It’s only Torino now, it’s just the game that counts.”

Gasperini on Pellegrini, Dovbyk, Mancini and Cristante

Gasperini confirmed that Pellegrini is not currently in his first-choice plans, as he needs to put in more work on the training pitch. He will remain available for selection if required, though.

ROME, ITALY – JANUARY 05: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma celebrates after the team’s victory in the Serie A match between AS Roma and SS Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on January 05, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Pellegrini stayed and that’s fine for me. He’s an extra player and a valuable one. He’s started training with intensity again, but he’s not at the same level as the others. He will be available, his qualities are indisputable. He can be really useful. For me, he’s a midfielder, not a forward. After Dybala, he’s the best in terms of quality with his feet.”

And when asked what he expects to see from Artem Dovbyk this season, Gasperini replied: “I expect a lot from everyone. The team and the season ahead of us is what’s important, not the individuals.

“Everyone has to give their best. I’ve spoken with him, he believes that his best characteristics are inside the box: Strength and power. I’m convinced he will do well, he’s always given his best.”

epa12073520 Roma’s Artem Dovbyk (R) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina, in Rome, Italy, 04 May 2025. EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI

And on Mancini and Cristante, Gasperini said: “They are two players I have already had, and have had excellent careers. Mancini is back in the national team and Cristante is important for us. They have an advantage because they know me. They’re all exceptional guys anyway.”

Lastly, will Devyne Rensch or Zeki Celik get an opportunity should Wesley be unavailable on Sunday?

“Yes, these are the solutions. El Shaarawy and Soule can also be put in there. These are the solutions, I’ll think about it tonight.”