Gian Piero Gasperini Grows Concerned As Paulo Dybala Injury More ‘Serious’ Than Expected

Paulo Dybala was forced off through injury during Roma’s 1-0 defeat at home to Torino and the Argentinian may be out for longer than first expected.

Paulo Dybala Injury News

Gian Piero Gasperini tasted defeat for the first time as Roma manager following the Giallorossi’s disappointing performance against Torino in the Italian capital.

Roma kicked off the season with two consecutive 1-0 victories, beating Bologna at Stadio Olimpico, before picking up all-three points against Pisa in the following fixture.

Supporters have clearly taken to the new-look Roma side, with Gasperini implementing his style almost immediately – but this good feeling drifted away against Torino.

The defeat was not the only issue that came from Roma’s clash against Torino, as Paulo Dybala was forced off through injury just a week before the Giallorossi’s derby day battle against Lazio.

Dybala appeared to be in some discomfort towards the end of the first-half, complaining about an issue in his left thigh and the Argentine was replaced by Tommaso Baldanzi during the break.

Gian Piero Gasperini spoke about the severity of Dybala’s injury and claimed it is a ‘small’ issue, with Roma taking further tests into the injury during the week.

Gasperini said: “Dybala had a small physical problem, so he had to come off. Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious.”

The Roma boss was critical over his sides’ approach in the summer window as Roma missed out on Jadon Sancho, who was deemed to be too expensive by Claudio Ranieri – a Senior Advisor and Director in Rome.

Jadon Sancho would have been a strong option to fill Dybala’s boots, should the Argentine be out for an extended period of time – but Gasperini will have to look within his roster.

What Games Will Paulo Dybala Miss?

Dybala’s exit from the match clearly made a huge impact on Roma’s overall performance, as the Argentinian international has been a vital player for the Giallorossi in recent years.

Since signing for Roma in July 2022, the 31-year-old has gone on to make 116 appearances and contributed to 64 goals (42G + 22A), but has failed to win any silverware during his time in Rome.

His injury could not have come at a worse time for Roma, as Gasperini’s side face fierce rivals Lazio in their upcoming Serie A clash and the Giallorossi take part in their opening Europa League fixture against on Nice September 24th.

An exact return date has not been confirmed by Roma, but fans will be hoping to see Dybala make a speedy recovery in time for the derby against Lazio and upcoming battle in Europe.

Roma have failed to win Italy’s biggest prize in over two-decades, last winning Serie A in 2001, however, the club have found success in Europe in recent years.

In 2021/22, the Giallorossi made history by winning a European trophy for the first time, beating Feyenoord in the Europa Conference Leagued final, before losing to Sevilla in the Europa League final in the following season.

In order to repeat this success, Roma will need to improve on their performance against Torino and Gasperini was quick to question the effort shown by his team.

Gasperini said: “From the start, we were lacking the ability to shoot, make the last pass, the right final ball. You have to be careful not to concede goals at this temperature, because you are lacking in energy.”