Ranieri: Roma future ‘belongs’ to Soulé, Dybala will play against Porto | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri is satisfied with Roma’s win in Parma and says the future belongs to Matias Soulé, but Paulo Dybala will return to the starting XI against Porto next week.

The Giallorossi beat Parma at the Stadio Tardini on Sunday thanks to a goal from Argentina talent Soulé.

“I believe in him a lot. It’s not easy to be at Roma,” Ranieri told Sky Sport via TMW.

“He’s working very hard and needs to stay calm: he belongs to the Roma future.

“I am satisfied, I knew it would be difficult here,” continued Ranieri.

“We scored a beautiful goal and then we needed to kill off the match. We came close but couldn’t manage it, but I’m happy. Another three points: just what we needed.”

Ranieri: Roma future ‘belongs’ to Soulé, Dybala will play against Porto

PARMA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Matias Soule of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on February 16, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Ranieri is also satisfied with the impact of new signings.

“I’m convinced they will help us,” he said.

“Hopefully, we can progress in Europe, even though it won’t be easy. I have to rotate the squad, and they’re doing well.”

Dybala missed today’s game due to a minor injury, but he’ll return to the Roma XI on Thursday when the Giallorossi host Porto in the second leg of the Europa League knockout playoff.

“He took a big knock on his ankle and told me it was better not to risk. Paulo is fine; he’ll play on Thursday, but I didn’t want to risk him tonight,” explained Ranieri.

“He took a strong knock to the knee, but there’s no collateral ligament involvement or other complications.”

Mats Hummels is also expected to return to action for next week’s European fixture.

“Most likely. He’s been training, and it seems like he’s recovered,” Ranieri concluded.

Roma have won four of the last five league matches but still sit 9th with 37 points in 25 matches.

Their next league game is against Monza on February 24.