Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini says the club must strengthen its squad to cope with a demanding schedule across three competitions, after describing the three goals conceded in seven minutes against Real Madrid as an “anomaly”.
Roma return to Serie A action on Saturday when they host Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico. They will be without five regular starters, including Paulo Dybala and Manu Kone, who were injured during Wednesday’s match.
Gasperini said Lorenzo Pellegrini could play in a deeper role, while Roma hope to have Bryan Cristante back for the match against Napoli or the game that follows.
“Castro is a valuable player; he’s already done well in our league, and tomorrow is a great opportunity for him,” Gasperini told Sky Sport.
The Argentine striker is expected to replace Donyell Malen, who is suspended for one match against Genoa.
“Tomorrow we need strength, belief and energy,” Gasperini said. “We are returning to the league as one of the leading teams. We will have the spirit, mentality and energy to try to win, because winning validates the players.”
The Roma boss also discussed Marten de Roon and Pellegrini, who have had contrasting physical situations.
“De Roon is no longer very young, but he is a healthy athlete and has never had these types of problems playing many consecutive games,” he said.
“This new experience is highly motivating for him, and his goal the other night was also a reward for a decision that was not at all easy to make. He is an extremely reliable player.
“Pellegrini is different because he underwent surgery and was out for months. He needs to play to regain his strength and fitness, but he is on the right track.”
Roma surrendered a 3-1 advantage against Real Madrid, losing 4-3 after conceding three times in the final seven minutes. Gasperini said the team’s response to the visitors’ set pieces had been the main problem.
“During the corner-kick situations, there was fear and a lack of reaction, which hadn’t happened before,” he said. “It was unusual, but we need to examine it.”
He added that the turning point was Real Madrid’s second goal, which made the score 3-2, and said Roma must not allow a setback to damage their confidence.
“What happened against Real Madrid was an anomaly: three set-piece goals,” Gasperini said. “This is modern football: you have to play for 90 minutes.”
Roma have won matches late against Parma and Atalanta but suffered late setbacks against Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid. Gasperini rejected the idea that his side’s difficulties were simply caused by losing intensity.
He said the club needed to raise the level of its younger players, with Castro and Mora set to feature against Genoa. Saturday will be Roma’s third match in seven days, followed by a fourth in 10 days on Tuesday.
“What concerns me is that we have very few substitutions available; in some areas, a Primavera player may make their debut,” he said.
Asked whether Roma needed additions in the transfer market, Gasperini replied: “Yes, but we cannot do anything about that today.”
“Given the current schedule, teams competing in Europe have to play so many matches that a deeper squad is essential,” he added.
