Gasperini: ‘Cristante gives Roma different variables, victory would show strength’

Gasperini: ‘Cristante gives Roma different variables, victory would show strength’ Gian Piero Gasperini notes Bryan Cristante gives Roma ‘different variables’ for the trip to Napoli, while a victory at the Stadio Maradona would ‘be another show of strength.’ It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST). You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog. NEWPORT, WALES – AUGUST 04: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Newport County and AS Roma at Rodney Parade on August 04, 2026 in Newport, Wales. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) The Giallorossi saw their mood boosted by a midweek 4-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, but it came at a price. Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered a serious thigh tear and will be out for several months, joining Paulo Dybala, Manu Koné and Mile Svilar on the absentee list. Gasperini glad to have Cristante back ROME, ITALY – OCTOBER 20: Gian Piero Gasperini, Manager of AS Roma, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between AS Roma and SK Slovan Bratislava at Stadio Olimpico on October 20, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) “It’s a top level fixture with many important players, two of the best teams in the league, so it’s a big game,” Gasperini told DAZN Italia. Cristante returns to the starting XI for the first time in over a month, but there are some doubts over the tactical set-up. It remains to be seen who is in the more advanced role out of Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli today, in support of Donyell Malen and Matias Soulé, as it’s possible Cristante is going to follow Napoli playmaker Kevin De Bruyne. “Cristante is an important player because we often had to use the same figures in that role due to injuries, he also makes us a more versatile team, because we can play with two in midfield and push someone else forward. He can give us different variables during the match,” confirmed Gasperini. ROME, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 19: Manu Kone of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the Serie A match between AS Roma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico on September 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Roma have not beaten Napoli since a 2-0 home result in December 2023, managing three draws and two losses. Their most recent victory in Naples was a 4-2 thriller in March 2018, followed by four stalemates and as many defeats. “It is early days in the season, but undoubtedly if we win away to Napoli, it would be another show of strength and a big push forward in terms of self-belief.”