Gasperini to rely on Baldanzi as false nine vs Napoli

On the eve of the big match at the Olimpico against Napoli, Roma faces not only a direct rival for the top spot, but also a series of questions regarding the fitness of several key players.

Manu Koné and Neil El Aynaoui, recovering from injuries sustained in the Europa League match against Midtjylland, remain doubtful: the Frenchman, with an ankle injury, seems likely to start, while the Moroccan, struggling with a knee problem, could be a late substitute.

The Giallorossi midfield will therefore feature a pairing of Koné and Cristante, with Pellegrini deployed as a midfielder but ready to drop back to contain Lobotka, Napoli’s playmaker and the main source of Conte’s play.

Evaluation of this choice, as well as other positions, will continue until a few hours before kick-off, as is the Roma coach’s custom.

In attack, Gasperini could forgo Ferguson, still limited by an ankle problem, and return to a lighter “false 9” role.

Dybala failed to impress in that role against Midtjylland, but the surprise package, writes La Gazzetta dello Sport, could be Tommaso Baldanzi, who performed well in that position against Cremonese.