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.
OFFICIAL MOVE: KENNETH TAYLOR JOINS LAZIO AS JURRIEN TIMBER SENDS A "BROSKI" FAREWELL
Kenneth Taylor joins Lazio for €16.9m while Arsenal secure their core stars. Latest on Marc Guehi’s potential Man City transfer.
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber reached out to his old Ajax teammate Kenneth Taylor after Taylor’s move to Lazio became official.
These two have seen a lot together—over 100 games side by side, working their way up through the Ajax academy and into the senior squad. Timber left for Arsenal in the summer of 2023, but Taylor stayed on in Amsterdam, riding out some rough times.
Ajax had a tough run last season, losing the Eredivisie title in gut-wrenching fashion. Right now, they’re sitting third, but PSV is miles ahead—16 points, to be exact.
Taylor has played 19 times across all competitions this season, but that’s it for him at Ajax. Lazio swooped in and paid €16.9 million (£14.4 million) to bring him to Italy. Timber jumped on Instagram to send his support, replying to Ajax’s farewell post (which featured a photo of both players) with a simple “Good luck, broski [red heart emoji].”
Ajax didn’t let him go quietly, either. The club released a heartfelt statement, with Director of Football Marijn Beuker calling Taylor “a true Ajacied” who came up through the ranks, set a good example for younger players, and became a fixture in midfield. Beuker said, “Kenneth wants to take the next step in his career, and we’re happy to give him that chance. We’ve thanked him for everything and wished him all the best in Italy.”
As for Timber’s own future, Arsenal wants to keep him around—and Declan Rice too. That’s according to football. London. Arsenal already locked in Bukayo Saka until 2031, and new contracts for William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly are done deals.
The Times says Arsenal’s also got talks lined up for Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, David Raya, and Mikel Merino. Their contracts all run out in 2028, so that’s the next order of business—even in the January window, with no new signings expected after spending £250 million last summer.
One name on Arsenal’s radar is Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, but unless Manchester City grabs him this month, that move would wait until summer. Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted things could change fast: “I’m not naive. If City comes in with a massive offer and Marc wants to go, it’ll happen. If we’re only thinking about football, everyone at the club would want Marc to stay. The chairman feels the same. But money matters too. There’s a point where the finances outweigh the sports side—if Marc wants to leave, the final call is his.”
MASTERCLASS: LAUTARO MARTINEZ AND ZIELINSKI DETAIL THE TACTICAL PLAN THAT DESTROYED BOLOGNA’S DEFENSE
Lautaro Martinez ignores a hand injury to lead Inter Milan to a 3-1 revenge win over Bologna. See the full tactical breakdown here.
Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski didn’t hide how much Inter’s tactical plan mattered in finally breaking their Bologna curse with that 3-1 win. “My hand hurts, but I’m heading home happy tonight,” Lautaro said with a grin.
So, Inter grabbed their fifth Serie A win in a row and held onto first place. But this one meant even more—they wanted to send a message after what happened last time against Bologna. Just a couple of weeks ago, Bologna knocked them out of the Supercoppa Italiana on penalties. And last season’s loss at the Stadio Dall’Ara? That stung, and it cost them in the title race.
Not tonight, though. Piotr Zielinski, Lautaro Martinez, and Marcus Thuram all found the net, and only a late goal from Santiago Castro gave Bologna anything to smile about.
Inter had been struggling with Bologna lately, no question.
Lautaro explained, “Before the game, we made a plan, and honestly, it worked perfectly. We pressed hard right after losing the ball, and Bologna couldn’t handle it. Our midfielders were right there on the second ball, which set up our chances. That’s how we got our goals.”
Lautaro’s on fire—six goals in his last five Serie A games. Still, the night started rough. Early on, someone stepped on his hand. Didn’t stop him, though.
“These three points mean a lot. My hand hurts, yeah, but I play through it and give everything for the team. That’s why I’m happy tonight.”
He also had a laugh, celebrating with Thuram after that odd goal—Thuram kind of bundled it in with his chest, barely knowing what hit him.
“We had one last sprint after that goal. I’m happy for him—he deserves it. Everyone’s working for the team, and we all want to take Inter as far as we can.”
Zielinski grabbed his second Serie A goal of the season—his third in all competitions—and he’s turning into a regular under Cristian Chivu.
“I’ve been feeling good for a while now, and I’m glad I can help the team,” Zielinski told DAZN Italia.
“Everything went well, except for that late goal. We were in control for most of it. That matters, especially given our recent problems against Bologna.”