Gian Piero Gasperini’s latest AS Roma interview was less about bravado than control. He said he feels the Friedkins’ trust, but he would like them to be more involved around the club, and he did it while Roma sit top of Serie A with 13 points from 5 matches. The next stretch is already crowded, with 9 matches in 27 days.

The Friedkins and the fixture load

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Gasperini said: "The Friedkins? I always feel their trust, but I would like to involve them more." He went further in the same interview, contrasting Roma’s ownership structure with his previous experience and saying the objective of bringing the Friedkins closer to the team again remains clear.

That sits alongside a blunt warning about the calendar. Gasperini said players’ training sessions become matches when you play that much, and that the downside is injuries. Roma have started well, with 4 wins and 1 draw, but he is already treating the run after the break like a test of squad management rather than a comfort break.

Cristante’s knee and the next games

The injury update centered on Bryan Cristante. Gasperini said he is recovering from a knee ligament problem and that Roma will not take risks with him. TuttoMercatoWeb described it as a collateral ligament issue, while Sky Sport Italia referred to a problem with the knee ligament on the side. The wording differs, but the message does not: Roma are being careful.

Cristante has made 5 league appearances and played 398 league minutes already, so this is not a player on the fringe. It is the kind of case where caution makes sense, especially with Como and Real Madrid in the immediate stretch. Gasperini also made clear it is not yet certain Cristante will miss either game.

The backdrop is why the Friedkins point matters. Roma are top of Serie A, but the season is about to demand rotation, recovery and a bit of patience. Gasperini sounded pleased with the start and clear-eyed about what comes next, which is probably the right balance. He wants the owners closer, and he wants Cristante protected while the fixtures pile up.

After Como, the schedule tightens further, and Roma’s handling of Cristante will be one of the first things worth watching.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →