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PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Gian Piero Gasperini has expressed confidence that a contract solution will be found for Paulo Dybala ahead of Sunday’s Derby della Capitale, while warning that Lazio will arrive at an almost entirely Giallorossi-coloured Stadio Olimpico with one clear objective, derailing Roma’s Champions League push.
Roma head into the fixture in fourth place, level on points with Milan and locked in a tight race involving Juventus, Napoli and Como. A win would be a significant step towards securing a top-four finish, making an already emotionally charged derby carry enormous sporting weight.
Gasperini was in typically direct mood at his pre-match press conference at Trigoria, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, where Ryan Friedkin’s continued presence in Rome added a sense of momentum to both the sporting and contractual discussions swirling around the club.
The absence of Lazio’s organised supporter groups from the away end was also addressed, though the Roma coach refused to let it distract from the task at hand.
Roma vs Lazio – Gasperini backs Pellegrini to feature despite fitness concern as derby showdown looms
On Dybala’s future, Gasperini was brief but optimistic. “It is positive that both sides want it,” he said. “The solution will be found.”
Asked about the derby’s danger, he was unambiguous. “Lazio is an excellent team and their ambition now is to ruin our run,” he said.
“We have stronger ambitions. But the derby is always difficult to play for everyone.”
On Ryan Friedkin’s presence in Rome, Gasperini was effusive.
“The presence is fundamental, when they are here everything works better,” he said.
“There is less people reporting things back, more direct relationships without intermediaries who distort opinions. Decisions are faster. I hope Ryan can build a knowledge of this squad and these players beyond the speed he already has with agents and negotiations. The ownership here will be able to observe that better.”
On Pellegrini, Gasperini was measured.
“Some players feel certain matches differently,” he said. “Lorenzo is coming back from injury, he has trained all week and we will assess him. I will count on him, even during the game.”
On the broader Champions League race, Gasperini acknowledged the competitive field while taking encouragement from it.
“Apart from Inter, everyone is close,” he said. “Como is the real surprise of the championship. This is a sign of a very balanced league. It gives us even more strength.”
Gasperini also addressed El Shaarawy directly, insisting the departing winger must remain fully focused. “I will tell him there are still two matches and his concentration must be on those,” he said.
Finally, when asked to send a message to the Roma fans, Gasperini said: “Let’s leave that message for the pitch. I’m incredibly grateful; the season has been extraordinary in that regard. It wasn’t easy to win these fans over, and I want to repay them with this achievement.”
