In a press conference held two days before Roma’s home fixture against Genoa on Friday, manager Claudio Ranieri addressed various topics, including team selection and individual player updates. The Giallorossi coach touched upon Bryan Cristante’s recovery, the futures of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Matias Soulé, and tactical considerations for the upcoming match.
Regarding Bryan Cristante, who has been sidelined since early December, Ranieri provided an optimistic update: “Cristante has resumed training on the pitch. All tests are fine; he just needs to increase his workload on the field. He’s done a lot of swimming and running. He needs to regain his pace. I hope to have him back with the group next week. He won’t be ready for 90 minutes, but having him available in the squad is a different story altogether.”
When questioned about Lorenzo Pellegrini’s potential departure during the transfer window, Ranieri expressed confidence in the player’s commitment to Roma: “As I always say, anything is possible in football, but I don’t think he’ll leave. If a team were to come in for him and he was happy to go… but I think this applies to everyone. Honestly, I don’t believe he’ll leave. It’s just my feeling.”
Discussing tactical approaches for the Genoa match, Ranieri hinted at a possible three-man midfield: “With a three-man midfield structured this way, we are much more pragmatic. The preventive measures I ask for are those of the defenders who must not allow the forwards to break away.”
Ranieri also addressed the situation of young talent Matias Soulé: “I strongly believe in this lad. I’m convinced he can be a player for Roma’s future. He’s improving; I often ask him to be more practical, to touch the ball less. He’s staying here with us. I believe in him, and he’ll certainly have opportunities to show his improvement.”
The coach explained his current preference for Tommaso Baldanzi over Soulé: “At the moment, I’m favoring Baldanzi over Soulé because he had six months to adapt last season. He brings that liveliness in games where we lack it. He’s another player I hold in high regard.”
