Ranieri Announces Roma Superstar’s Return versus Porto

The Cult of Calcio

·17 February 2025

Ranieri Announces Roma Superstar’s Return versus Porto

Roma conquered their third consecutive away win against Parma despite not having Paulo Dybala and fielding a reserve-filled lineup to spare energy for the return leg versus Porto. La Joya will be available Thursday, as coach Claudio Ranieri told Sky after the match (via MSN).

“He’s fine and will play midweek. Mats Hummels will likely do the same. He’s training and appears to have recovered. Gianluca Mancini subbed off due to a significant knock on the ankle. He told me he didn’t want to risk it. We had the same approach with Paulo. He has a bruised knee but didn’t sprain his MCL or suffer ulterior complications.”

Ranieri praised Matias Soulé, who had his best showing since joining Roma, and the other newcomers.

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“I believe in him a lot. It’s not easy to be part of this team. He’s working hard and must stay serene. The future of this team belongs to him. I’m sure our new players will help us. We hope to advance in Europe, even though it’ll be difficult. I have to rotate, and it is going well for now.”

Roma director Florent Ghisolfi updated on their coaching search to the same outlet (via Corriere dello Sport).

“We’re working on it, but there’s time to come to a decision. Now it’s not the right moment to talk about it since it’s February and we are focused on the games.”

The exec dished on Anass Salah-Eddine and Lucas Gourna-Douath.

“They are two young players with physicality and technique. The former is faster, but the latter is good too. We’re curious to see them in action. The pitch will do the talking.”