Ghisolfi gives Roma updates on Pellegrini, Dybala and Frattesi

Roma director Florent Ghisolfi fields questions about the future of Lorenzo Pellegrini, Paulo Dybala and Davide Frattesi going into the derby with Lazio. ‘Lorenzo is our captain and a son of Rome.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Giallorossi are the underdogs going in, as they are a massive 15 points behind their city rivals in the Serie A standings.

However, third coach of the campaign Claudio Ranieri has helped to stabilise things, including a 1-1 draw away to Milan.

There is a surprising and brave decision from Ranieri, because under-fire captain Pellegrini gets his first home start since October 2024, his first Serie A pick in the initial XI since November.

Roma questions fired at Ghisolfi

Ghisolfi was asked whether this means Pellegrini will remain at Roma after reports he could leave in January?

“I only want to talk about the game, nothing is more important than the match. Lorenzo is our captain, he is a son of Rome, I hope this evening he will play a great performance and lead his team to victory,” replied Ghisolfi.

There are also the on-going suggestions that Dybala could walk away for Galatasaray this month, but again the Giallorossi director kept his cards close to his chest.

“We talk to him and to his agent, we are aligned on our plans. There is nothing special to report at the moment. It is also an important match for him, I hope he will bring excitement to the fans.”

Ranieri was brought in as Roma’s third coach of the campaign after Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric, with the express aim of getting them to the end of the season. However, is the veteran enjoying this so much he might want to stay on?

“I hope so! I don’t like talking about other coaches right now, because he is doing such a great job. I am incredibly fortunate to be working with him and hope that he will be inspired this evening.”

Ghisolfi was also asked about the reports Roma are trying to bring Davide Frattesi back to the Stadio Olimpico from Inter.

“I do not want to comment on transfer rumours, especially not this evening. I can say Frattesi is a very good player and he too is a son of Rome, but the game is more important tonight.”