Roma enter Saturday’s Serie A meeting with Atalanta under a cloud of uncertainty, but the atmosphere in the Stadio Olimpico remains upbeat. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has confirmed that Paulo Dybala, the 32‑year‑old Argentine forward, will undergo a fitness assessment on the day of the match. The former Juventus star has been dealing with a minor physical issue, yet the coach insists the problem is not serious and that Dybala feels calm about his chances of playing.
Fitness test and Dybala’s readiness
According to Gasperini, the fitness test will be a standard protocol designed to gauge Dybala’s mobility and match‑sharpness. The coach added that the Argentine’s mindset is the most important factor, noting that Dybala appears confident and eager to contribute. If the test goes well, the forward could line up alongside veteran striker Tammy Abraham and creative midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is still working his way back from injury.
Roma’s early‑season trajectory
Roma have enjoyed a positive start to the 2026‑27 campaign, collecting points in their opening fixtures and showing a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity. The upcoming clash with Atalanta represents one of the toughest tests in the first dozen games, according to Gasperini, who likens it to a Champions League‑level encounter. The Giallorossi will also face Inter, Como and Napoli in quick succession, while a European night against Real Madrid looms on 14 October.
Atalanta’s form and what Roma can expect
Atalanta arrive in Rome riding a wave of good form. Gasperini described the visitors as a “team of great value that has started well”, emphasizing that they possess both quality and momentum. The match, therefore, is framed not just as a test of maturity but as a test of strength, a phrase the coach used to underline the importance of resilience and collective effort.
Squad updates beyond Dybala
In addition to the Dybala situation, Gasperini provided brief updates on other key players. Centre‑back Evan Ndicka is expected to be fit, offering stability at the back, while midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini continues his rehabilitation and may not be available before the international break. The coach reiterated his game‑by‑game approach, stressing that he will manage minutes carefully to keep the squad fresh amid a congested schedule.
Transfer market outlook
When asked about potential free‑agent signings after the transfer window closed, Gasperini expressed skepticism. He admitted that it is difficult to predict viable opportunities and warned against counting on the market to deliver immediate solutions. Instead, he highlighted the importance of the current dressing‑room atmosphere, describing it as a place where players enjoy coming to work every day, free of internal conflicts.
Looking ahead
The outcome of the fitness test and the result against Atalanta will set the tone for the next phase of Roma’s season. A positive performance could reinforce Gasperini’s belief in his squad’s depth, while any setbacks may force the coach to rely more heavily on younger players and adjust his tactical setup.
Gasperini’s cautious optimism about Dybala is realistic; the forward’s fitness will be the decisive factor, not hype. If Dybala plays and Roma hold Atalanta, the win will cement their status as serious title contenders.
A fit Dybala adds a creative edge that could unlock Atalanta’s defence, giving Roma a tactical advantage. A loss or a Dybala absence would expose the squad’s reliance on a few senior figures and could force Gasperini to rotate more aggressively.
Frequently Asked Questions
He will undergo a fitness test on the day of the match, and if the results are positive, Gasperini expects him to be available.
The game is set for Saturday, 7 September 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico.
He believes the squad has enough quality to handle the tough schedule, but he will manage players on a game‑by‑game basis to keep them fresh.