Gasperini hints at squad rotation for the Stuttgart tie while prioritising Sunday’s Milan clash; Dybala is likely to start and Evan Ferguson is fit. Betting angle: back a Roma win but avoid heavy accumulators—consider Roma to win or Dybala anytime scorer, and single-match handicaps if rostering looks conservative.
Roma vs Stuttgart Preview — Gasperini balancing Europa League and Serie A priorities
Roma host VfB Stuttgart with coach Gian Piero Gasperini warning that Sunday’s Serie A trip to Milan demands “greater focus.” The manager confirmed a generally fit squad but acknowledged a few issues: defender Hermoso is sidelined, while several new signings remain unavailable until the knockout phase.
Team news: injuries and availability
Hermoso is out with an injury, and the usual minor knocks affect a few players, but overall the group is in good physical shape. New arrivals Donyell Malen and Robinio Vaz will only be available once the knockout rounds begin, shaping Gasperini’s selection options for the immediate fixtures.
Attack options: Dybala and Ferguson to lead the line
Paulo Dybala is expected to start after recovering from the flu and a subsequent physical setback that slowed his return to peak form. Gasperini stressed that while Dybala may have lost some of his past speed, his experience and positioning still make him a decisive presence when suitably supported.
Evan Ferguson has recovered from a heavy knock sustained in the last home match and is available for selection, with the coach expecting a performance in line with the striker’s recent positive contributions.
Tactical implications and squad rotation
With Serie A’s high-stakes fixture against Milan looming, Gasperini faces the challenge of balancing competitiveness in Europe with preserving energy for the domestic title race. Expect selective rotation but not wholesale changes — the line-up should still be strong enough to push for victory while keeping key players fresh for Sunday.
Standings context and club outlook
Roma currently sit fourth in Serie A, three points clear of Juventus and four behind second-placed Milan. In the Europa League table they are one point shy of the top eight. Gasperini underlined the team’s improved self-perception and stressed the objective to defend and possibly improve their position across competitions.
Transfer and player movement note
Gasperini confirmed Leon Bailey’s return to Aston Villa was largely influenced by his troubling injury record at the Olimpico, a factor that has impacted Roma’s winger options.
Betting implications
The manager’s caution ahead of Milan suggests measured rotation rather than wholesale rest.
For punters this points to Roma remaining favourites at home to Stuttgart but with potential value in conservative bets: Roma to win, a single-match handicap, or backing Dybala or Ferguson for anytime scorer markets rather than piling into long multi-leg accumulators.
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Roma host VfB Stuttgart in a Europa League game tomorrow, but coach Gian Piero Gasperini...
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