Sat Jan 03 18:50:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a summary of the key information:

Summary:

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini is facing injury and illness concerns ahead of their upcoming match. Several players are sidelined due to the flu (Pellegrini, Bailey – though already injured) and niggles (Wesley), but Hermoso has recovered. Gasperini emphasized the importance of his defensive options, particularly with Ndicka away at AFCON and Mancini and Hermoso on yellow card warnings. He also highlighted the need for Ziolkowski to step up. Despite the absences, Gasperini hinted at sticking with the same starting XI that recently defeated Genoa. He also specifically praised Dybala, urging him to be a consistent scorer and playmaker. The predicted lineup includes: Svilar; Mancini, Ziolkowski, Hermoso; Çelik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Ferguson.

News Article:

Injury-Hit Roma Set to Face Genoa, Gasperini Hints at Familiar Lineup

Rome, Italy – Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini faces a selection headache as his squad prepares to take on Genoa, with several players battling illness and injuries. Key players Lorenzo Pellegrini and Leon Bailey are sidelined with the flu, although they were already dealing with injuries. Wesley is also carrying a “niggle,” while Niccolo Pisilli is hoping to recover in time for the match.

However, there’s positive news for the Giallorossi, as defender Mario Hermoso has recovered from his injury, a timely boost given Evan Ndicka’s absence due to AFCON commitments.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Gasperini addressed concerns about his defensive depth, particularly with both Gianluca Mancini and Hermoso one yellow card away from suspension. “With Celik playing wide, we have five defenders, with Ndicka at AFCON and Mancini and Hermoso one card away from a ban…You need a squad of at least 20 players plus the goalkeepers. Sometimes you have to go with players who play less, like Ziolkowski, and give them time to become as reliable as Mancini or Ndicka. That’s the aim.”

Despite the injury concerns, Gasperini hinted at keeping the same starting XI that impressed in their recent victory over Genoa, placing faith in the players available. He also singled out Paulo Dybala for praise, urging the Argentinian forward to be a consistent goalscorer and playmaker. “I like Dybala when he scores and when he helps others to score… But the real Dybala is the one who scores goals, sets up team-mates, takes free kicks and set-pieces.”

Predicted Roma XI: Svilar; Mancini, Ziolkowski, Hermoso; Çelik, Cristante, Koné, Wesley; Soulé, Dybala; Ferguson.

Roma will be hoping for a positive result against Genoa as they look to maintain momentum before the January transfer window.

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