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Gasperini to start Pisilli alongside Malen, Soule still not 100% fit

Gasperini to start Pisilli alongside Malen, Soule still not 100% fit

The idea is taking shape at Trigoria, and it’s by no means a secondary one: Pisilli will start, with either him or Cristante advanced to the attacking midfield.

This is one of the solutions Gian Piero Gasperini is seriously considering ahead of Sunday night’s match against Juventus, while the wait for Paulo Dybala remains fraught with doubt.

Today will be crucial to determine whether “La Joya” will at least be able to sit on the bench.

The Argentine hasn’t played since January 25th against AC Milan and has been dealing with inflammation in his left knee for weeks, which has slowed his return.

He also trained separately yesterday, and the main issue remains his ball striking, which is still painful.

But Paulo has said he’s ready to play regardless. A group test is scheduled for this morning: from there, we’ll see if there’s even a small margin for him to be included in the squad.

The uncertainty surrounding Dybala is pushing the coaching staff to consider structural alternatives. One of these leads directly to the development of Niccolò Pisilli, who has looked in great form in recent games: leaving him out seems difficult given his current form.

Gasp is considering it: in recent sessions, he’s tried him in a more advanced position, getting excellent responses, writes Il Messaggero.

In this scenario, the midfield will be completed by Cristante and Konè, a more balanced solution, less dependent on flair and more focused on intensity. The attacking numbers, moreover, reveal a complicated season. Dybala has scored two goals in the league, like Cristante and Koné, less than Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson (3). Donyell Malen, a recent arrival, has already surpassed them with five goals.

Matías Soulé still tops the Giallorossi’s scoring charts, but he too is unlikely to be in the game: groin pain continues to keep him out.

Some returns, however, are expected.

The attack will once again be able to count on Stephan El Shaarawy, while Ferguson’s absence remains certain. The Irish striker is seriously at risk of ankle surgery, with Brighton pushing for it. The Irish coach has already ruled out his return in March, also dashing any hopes of a World Cup playoff.


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