Roma's 2025-26 prospects hinge on their offensive strategy, according to Gian Piero Gasperini.
Roma's new coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, is placing emphasis on improving the link-up play of centre-forward Artem Dovbyk as the team prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Dovbyk, who scored 12 Serie A goals in 32 appearances during the 2024-25 season, was Roma's top league scorer despite the team's overall struggles in front of goal. Across all competitions, he scored 17 goals and provided 3 assists in 45 matches for Roma. However, his performance was somewhat below expectations given his prolific scoring in LaLiga the previous season, and injuries, especially knee and muscular issues, affected his consistency.
Gasperini is keen to help Dovbyk find the right "tempo" in combining with his teammates, likening it to music where bad timing causes problems. Improving how Dovbyk connects with his teammates in attack is seen as crucial for Roma's offensive effectiveness next season.
Despite Dovbyk's slight underperformance of his expected goals (xG) of 12.25, Gasperini believes that the strength of the attack will determine the strength of the Roma squad in the 2025-26 season. The coach stated that several roles need to be filled, but the team is taking shape.
Roma secured Europa League football for the upcoming campaign due to their performance in the 2024-25 season. The team has won all three of their pre-season games so far, scoring six goals without conceding any.
Meanwhile, Paulo Dybala is currently going through a personalised training schedule and is expected to return to training with the squad next week.
Gasperini spent nine years with Atalanta before joining Roma and is pleased with the development of his team. He views Dovbyk as a valuable centre-forward and believes that with some fine-tuning, the Ukrainian striker can make a significant impact on Roma's attack in the upcoming season.
- Despite potential issues with timing in his link-up play, as described by Gasperini as similar to music, Dovbyk's goal-scoring ability and productivity in the 2024-25 season highlight his potential value for Roma in the upcoming 2025-26 season.
- As soccer and music share a rhythm essential for harmony, Gasperini is focusing on honing Dovbyk's ability to combine with his teammates for a more effective attack in the European leagues, including Serie A.
- Health concerns have affected Dovbyk's consistency, but with proper management and rehabilitation, especially addressing his knee and muscular issues, he could potentially achieve his full potential and boost Roma's sports performance in the upcoming 2025-26 season.
