Gian Piero Gasperini expects Rangers to be ‘dynamic’ against Roma

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini is expecting a “dynamic” Rangers in their Europa League clash at Ibrox but admits there is little wriggle room if his side want to progress in the competition.

The Serie A outfit started the league phase with a 2-1 win at Nice but lost 1-0 at home to another French club, Lille, before a 2-1 defeat to Czech Republic side Viktoria Plzen, whom Rangers overcame in the Champions League qualifiers earlier in the season.

Gasperini, who won the Europa League with Atalanta last season, speaking through an interpreter at Ibrox before his squad trained, said: “As always, when you come to play on these pitches, the games are always very difficult.

“You find very busy, very hot environments. The team is very dynamic.

“Rangers have improved in the last two (league) games after the coach change (Danny Rohl replacing Russell Martin).

“They were two excellent games.

“We expect a very demanding game in terms of athletics. We will have to be very good and do a good job.

“You always have to move things forward. You always have to conquer what is possible.

“Two home games force us to be very careful, because in the next five games you have to win at least three to reach the qualification.”

Roma are without Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson, Argentinian World Cup winner Paulo Dybala, who injured his thigh while missing a penalty in their weekend defeat to AC Milan, and Spanish full-back Angelino, who is out with asthmatic bronchitis.

Jamaican forward Leon Bailey, on-loan from Aston Villa, also missed the trip to Glasgow, but Ukraine striker Artem Dovbyk has recovered from a knock sustained against Milan.