TEAM NEWS: GASPERINI CONFIRMS DYBALA, BAILEY AVAILABLE FOR ROMA VS. MIDTJYLLAND
Roma boss Gasperini confirms Dybala and Bailey are fit for the Europa League match against a strong, in-form Midtjylland side.
Gian Piero Gasperini has said Paulo Dybala and Leon Bailey should be ready for Roma’s Europa League match against Midtjylland on Thursday. He also talked about how the Danish team has gotten better over the past few years.
Gasperini on Roma vs. Midtjylland: ‘It Will Be an Open Game, Two Strong Teams Who Want to Score Goals’
Roma is on top of the Serie A table right now, but they have to focus on the Europa League on Thursday. They’re currently in 18th place after winning two and losing two of their first four games.
Midtjylland, on the other hand, has won all four of its Europa League matches and has a two-point lead.
“They’re a good team with attackers and great young players. It will be an open game with two good teams that want to score,” Gasperini mentioned.
Why are Scandinavian clubs doing so well recently?
“They work hard, are physical, and now have technique. They’ve gotten better, as you can see from the results at the club and national level. There’s no difference between them and us Italians when it comes to skill. Midtjylland has won four games, so that means something.”
How can a coach help players improve both mentally and physically?
“Football is a mix of everything,” Gasperini answered. “This team is doing well. Playing a lot helps us grow, and we’re finding more ways to win.
“We have a lot of personality, and we always play our way, even when we’re away. This has helped us get to where we are. We’re in a good spot right now, and we need to keep it going.”
Dybala and Bailey are back, which is great news: “They’re better. They’re training with the team again. If everything goes well, they’ll be ready to play. I don't know how many minutes they will play.
Gasperini was asked how he plans to handle Evan Ndicka and Neil El Aynaoui's leaving. They have to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.
He said, “They’ll leave the week before AFCON, so they might miss the Como game. I’ll miss them, but we'll deal with it. We have other players.
“We knew they would be gone. They could go far in the competition, but we don’t want them to,” he joked.
Gasperini reflected on playing Midtjylland when he coached Atalanta.
“Some might be shocked by where they are in the standings, but they deserve it. I’ve played there twice. They've improved a lot. The players are interesting. It was already hard enough before. I know how good they are.
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
_1777371632.webp)
