Gasperini to rely on Baldanzi as false nine vs Napoli

On the eve of the massive match on the Olimpico towards Napoli, Roma faces not solely a direct rival for the highest spot, but additionally a sequence of questions relating to the health of a number of key gamers.

Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui, recovering from accidents sustained within the Europa League match towards Midtjylland, stay uncertain: the Frenchman, with an ankle harm, appears more likely to begin, whereas the Moroccan, scuffling with a knee downside, might be a late substitute.

The Giallorossi midfield will subsequently function a pairing of Koné and Cristante, with Pellegrini deployed as a midfielder however able to drop again to include Lobotka, Napoli’s playmaker and the primary supply of Conte’s play.

Analysis of this selection, in addition to different positions, will proceed till just a few hours earlier than kick-off, as is the Roma coach’s customized.

In assault, Gasperini might forgo Ferguson, nonetheless restricted by an ankle downside, and return to a lighter “false 9” position.

Dybala didn’t impress in that position towards Midtjylland, however the shock package deal, writes La Gazzetta dello Sport, might be Tommaso Baldanzi, who carried out properly in that place towards Cremonese.