“We hope that tomorrow will be in our favor, we arrive very motivated and I hope to replicate the performance from the other night, which I liked regardless of the result.” This was stated by the coach, who supports the acquisition of Malen, who has joined from Aston Villa on a loan deal with an option that may become an obligation under certain conditions. “This operation was made possible thanks to the presence of Ryan Friedkin; otherwise, it would have been very difficult. We have signed an important player who will perform well because he possesses the right characteristics. He will need some time to adjust and play regularly, but he has often taken the field with Aston Villa, and he is a starting player for the Dutch national team,” he added. “At this moment, he is the center forward,” which is the position he prefers, with the ability to finish quickly and powerfully.”
“I believe he should play close to the goal,” he said regarding the role. “Is the attack complete? I only discuss that with the ownership; Malen was an important opportunity, and the kid immediately showed his willingness.” “When operations take too long, they then become difficult to realize,” said Gasperini, perhaps referencing the Raspadori saga (“I’ve never spoken to him, but I have spoken to Malen.”) and the situation concerning Joshua Zirkzee, the top choice for attacker still not released by Manchester United.
From the market also comes 18-year-old Robinio Vaz: “This is an investment for the future; he has qualities we will discover. We are keeping our options open. There is a strong competitive core. At the same time, the club is also looking to the future to build something that can have continuity over time.”
A future away from Rome, however, for Edoardo Bove, who has mutually rescinded his contract with the Giallorossi, being unable to play in Italy after suffering a cardiac arrest on December 1, 2024, while playing for Fiorentina, and undergoing the implantation of a subcutaneous defibrillator. “He will restart his career from England; this is fantastic news,” Gasperini said on a day marked by mourning for the passing of Fiorentina president Rocco Commisso: “The news shook us, beyond the rivalry, which is always important on the field. But the essence of life transcends every rivalry. We are saddened. Fiorentina, which has already experienced the tragedies of Barone and Astori, has been tormented by these events.”
