Roma's Gaspirini Weighs Options to Replace Injured Pellegrini
AS Roma manager Daniele De Rossi is evaluating his options to replace the injured Lorenzo Pellegrini, with Stephan El Shaarawy and Niccolo Pisilli the leading candidates for a starting role. Pellegrini is set for a month on the sidelines with a flexor muscle injury, leaving a key creative void in the Giallorossi's attack.
According to reports from Italy, manager Daniele De Rossi is considering a direct choice between veteran winger Stephan El Shaarawy and academy graduate Niccolo Pisilli for the trequartista role. The decision, as reported by Italian media, hinges on the fitness of midfielder Ebrima Darboe. If Darboe is fit to start in midfield, it is believed De Rossi will deploy the 19-year-old Pisilli in the advanced role. If not, Pisilli is expected to fill in as a central midfielder, which would open the door for El Shaarawy to start in the attacking midfield position.
El Shaarawy, a seasoned 31-year-old with over 200 appearances for Roma, offers experience and a proven goal threat. The 19-year-old Pisilli, a product of the club's academy, has impressed in his limited first-team opportunities this season, bringing energy and direct running. The decision will significantly shape Roma's attack for the upcoming match against Atalanta, with the team seeking to maintain their push for a Champions League qualification spot. The final lineup decision will be made following a late fitness test for Darboe ahead of the weekend fixture.
The absence of captain Pellegrini, a creative and goalscoring lynchpin, is a significant blow. His 10 goals and 6 assists across all competitions this season have been vital. De Rossi's choice will reveal his short-term vision: the youthful dynamism of a homegrown talent in Pisilli, or the tactical discipline and experience of El Shaarawy in a slightly unfamiliar central role. The decision will also impact the role of new signing Jesper Lindstrom, who may now see more prominent minutes on the wing if El Shaarawy is deployed centrally.
