Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini has indicated a strong desire to retain Paulo Dybala beyond his current contract, following a 2-0 derby victory over Lazio on Monday. The win, coupled with Juventus’ loss to Fiorentina, propelled Roma into the top four of Serie A, giving them a two-point advantage over Como with one match remaining.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, Gasperini responded to well wishes from Juventus manager Max Allegri by acknowledging the season is not yet finished, emphasizing that Roma still have 90 minutes to play. He described the atmosphere surrounding the derby win as “an enormous emotion” and highlighted the team’s control over their Champions League qualification destiny. Gasperini stressed the importance of focus and preparation for the final game, framing it as a crucial step toward achieving their objective.
The match saw a standout performance from Roma captain Gianluca Mancini, who scored both goals in the derby. Gasperini praised Mancini’s contribution but also emphasized the collective strength and leadership within the squad, stating that the team has “always had many captains.” He noted that the draw against Juventus earlier in the season instilled a belief in the team’s capabilities that was previously lacking.
Regarding Dybala’s future, Gasperini confirmed there is a mutual desire between the club and the player to extend his contract. He expressed his personal happiness at the prospect of Dybala remaining at Roma, acknowledging the club’s successful track record of handling expiring contracts with professionalism. Dybala joined Roma in 2022 after his contract with Juventus expired, and his current deal is set to expire at the end of the season. The Argentine forward has been a key player for Roma, contributing significantly with goals and assists, but has also faced periods of injury.
Gasperini’s comments suggest that negotiations are progressing positively, and a contract extension for Dybala could be announced in the near future. Securing Dybala’s future would be a major boost for Roma as they look to build on their recent success and compete for Champions League qualification on a consistent basis. The club will be hoping to finalize the deal quickly to avoid any further speculation surrounding the player’s future.
