Gian Piero Gasperini described Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen as world-class after the pair combined for a hat-trick in Roma’s 4-0 win over Fiorentina, while insisting his squad has been strengthened by a year of continuity.
With quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the Roma coach was asked in his post-match press conference at the Stadio Olimpico about the partnership that decided the game.
“They are world-class,” he said.
“Dybala always has been, he’s just had a few too many injuries. This one is a beast, so much for the silk muscles some people talked about. He could even play extra time. Last year he was unlucky, he got injured taking a free-kick and a penalty.”
Gasperini says Malen can improve further after second Roma hat-trick
Gasperini was equally warm on the Dutchman, who picked up where he left off at the end of the last campaign.
“Malen is extraordinary, but it’s no accident,” he said.
“He feels appreciated and strong, he’s a leader on the pitch and he can grow further. What he’s showing is incredible, he must have found the right environment.”
Pressed on whether Roma can now target something bigger, the coach deflected.
“You sound like a broken record,” he said, laughing. “I agree on the performance. When I talk about ‘dimension’, you have to know your opponents very well. When we understand what level the other teams are playing at, we’ll have clearer ideas. About ourselves, I’m very happy: this is an extraordinary group. We created a base a year ago and then added quality. Now the group is consolidated, the new arrivals fit in, and that’s important.”
‘With Mora, we’re looking at a talent’
Rodrigo Mora, who impressed on debut before being replaced, drew particular praise. “It was the right match for him,” Gasperini said.
“He needs to improve in some things, but we’re looking at a talent. When he touches the ball, something nice happens. We need to give him continuity, but he has the characteristics.”
Manu Kone asked to come off after being booked, having only recently returned from the World Cup.
“I pushed him a bit,” the coach admitted. “There’s a disparity in condition between those who went to America and those who didn’t, but he went beyond it with his generosity. He played an excellent game, he needs to train and find his condition.”
Gasperini also welcomed the increase in effective playing time in Serie A.
“Beautiful, fantastic. I like it a lot,” he said. “The public benefits, before, they watched deadly boring matches with the goalkeeper touching more balls than anyone. They’re excellent rules, nobody stays on the ground now.”
