Gasperini Fires Up Roma: Zaragoza to Shine, Pellegrini Backed in Bologna Thriller

Picture this: Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini striding into the Stadio Dall’Ara, eyes twinkling like he's got a secret weapon up his sleeve. It's the Europa League Round of 16 first leg against Bologna, and the Italian gaffer is buzzing about new boy Bryan Zaragoza making his European bow for the Giallorossi. As Susy Campanale noted for Football Italia, the Spaniard – who rocked up on deadline day – is already proving his worth after chipping in for Donyell Malen's strike versus Napoli.

“We reckon he'll lend us a proper hand tonight,” Gasperini cheekily told Sky Sport Italia. With the second leg back at the Olimpico next week, only one Italian side advances, so no messing about. Kick-off's at 17:45 GMT, and you can bet it's going to be a proper ding-dong.

New Faces and Injury Nightmares

Roma scraped eighth in the Europa League league phase without their January recruits, but now Zaragoza and Malen are geared up for UEFA action. Tempting to rest legs with Serie A heavyweights like the Juventus draw and Genoa loss fresh in the memory? Not a chance, mate.

The squad's a walking injury ward: Gianluca Mancini suspended, Paulo Dybala, Matias Soulé, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson on the sidelines. Manu Koné's muscle strain ruled him out entirely – poor lad's watching from the stands, as Sam Wilson reported from Football Italia. Mario Hermoso's not fully fit either. Gasperini shrugged it off: recent goals conceded? Yeah, but they've banged in plenty against top sides too. Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli step up to back the frontman or drop deep – classic Roma reshuffle.

It's like herding cats in midfield, but Gasperini's not sweating. “Campaigns throw curveballs,” he grinned, Bergamo battle scars from the Atalanta clash still fresh.

Draw Drama and Pellegrini Protection

Fast-forward to the whistle: Bologna nick ahead through Federico Bernardeschi, but sub Lorenzo Pellegrini levels it at 1-1 with a belter. The Olimpico faithful's former skipper – out of contract in June – silences doubters after a ropey Genoa showing.

Post-match, Gasperini turned proper dad-mode on the press pack. “Leave the poor lad alone!” he barked, swatting away queries like flies. “He shines some days, dips others – same as us all. Be objective, eh?” No new deal likely, but the boss has his back.

Koné and Soulé? Still crocked, with Soulé sidelined past the break. Gasperini’s hoping for quick returns as Roma eye a deep run. It's all-Italian fireworks, and with Como lurking for fourth in Serie A, focus is razor-sharp.

Roma's defence has sprung leaks lately, but attack's firing. Zaragoza's settling like a pro, Pellegrini's got fire in the belly, and Gasperini's that mate who rallies the troops over pints. If they nick it home, quarter-finals beckon. Follow the liveblog for Fiorentina vs Rakow too – Europa night's on fire!

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