Ranieri: Unchanged Roma stance on Dybala, Juventus ‘more determined’ | OneFootball

Claudio Ranieri expects a more ‘vertical and determined Juventus’ against Roma and insists the club’s stance on Paulo Dybala has not changed: ‘We count on him a lot, also for next season.’

Roma host Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday in a key game for the race for a Champions League spot in Serie A.

The Giallorossi are only three points below the Bianconeri in the standings.

“Juventus have coached everything: playing philosophy and the coach. It’s a more determined and vertical Juve as we saw against Genoa,” Ranieri said at a pre-match press conference on Friday, as quoted by TMW.

Ranieri coached Juventus from 2007 to 2009 but was sacked with only two games remaining at the end of the 2000-09 campaign.

Ranieri: Unchanged Roma stance on Dybala, Juventus ‘more determined’

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 06: Nico Williams of Athletic Club is challenged by Paulo Dybala of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AS Roma and Athletic Club at Stadio Olimpico on March 06, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“It wasn’t traumatic. If I ever write a book, I’ll talk about it. I’ll say my truth; I don’t want to lie,” he said.

“Tomorrow, I expect a great, intense, and beautiful game—a match between two teams fighting for something more. Nothing is easy; both sides have the same chances. I want to make our fans proud. We can win, draw, or lose, but the fans should always go home saying, ‘At least we fought until the end.'”

The Italian tactician went on to provide the latest team news for his team.

“Celik has recovered. Rensch is recovering, but won’t be on the bench, I don’t want to take any risk. The others are all fit,” he said.

“Hummels has been fine after Bilbao. He’s a champion so he has no issues in that regard. When a team defends well is because everyone works to win the ball back. It requires effort in attack and defence.”

Evan N’dicka has played a prominent role in the capital this season, and Ranieri is delighted with his performances.

“I like him because he’s always focused and ready,” said the Italian coach.

“He is fast and good on the ball. I’m happy with what he’s doing, and I talk a lot to him.”

The same goes for French midfielder Manu Koné.

“He’s a great player and has a lot to learn to improve. He’s 23 years old, and what he’s doing already is impressive,” argued Ranieri.

Ex-Juventus star Dybala will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery, but Ranieri believes the Giallorossi will continue relying on the Argentine in the future.

“Our opinion on Dybala has not changed. He’s an important player for us and we count on him a lot, also for next season.”

Roma will meet city rivals Lazio after Juventus, but the Giallorossi’s focus is solely on the Bianconeri.

“We’ve not done any calculations, not even during the season. I’ve always deployed the players in a better shape, a mix of mindset and condition,” concluded Ranieri.

“I know the players well, so I can tell when someone is in good shape or not.”