Ziolkowski is not Roma’s problem as Gasperini’s requests ignored

Originally posted on Football Italia | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 8:38 AM ET

Jan Ziolkowski has been criticised by the Italian press and Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini following a 2-1 loss against Viktoria Plzen, but the Giallorossi’s main problem comes from the fact that the coach’s transfer requests were not satisfied over the summer.

Roma defender Ziolkowski found himself in the middle of a storm on Thursday, when he was subbed off in the first half of an eventual 2-1 loss against Viktoria Plzen.

Ziolkowski had made a mistake in the build-up to Plzen’s opening goal and was replaced a few minutes later, but didn’t take it well.

Ziolkowski is not Roma’s problem

Gasperini said at the end of the game that the 20-year-old, who had started the first game for the Giallorossi, was ‘still not ready.’

Ziolkowski, who joined Roma in the summer, will have time to adapt to Roma’s playing style to avoid repeating such mistakes.

At the same time, however, it is clear that Roma’s main problem lies elsewhere, as Gasperini’s transfer requests over the summer were not entirely satisfied.

Gasperini’s transfer requests at Roma

The Italian tactician expected further reinforcements in attack, having asked for a winger, besides Leon Bailey, and a centre-forward, even after Evan Ferguson’s loan move from Brighton.

Roma are just one point behind Serie A table leaders Milan, but certain shortcomings are tough to hide, and Gasperini’s desire should have been fulfilled at the right time to give him players suitable for his playing style.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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