Roma: Ranieri provides Dybala injury update, Dovbyk ‘needs affection’

Claudio Ranieri is confident Paulo Dybala’s injury does not involve the knee and insists Artem Dovbyk ‘needs affection’ after a 1-0 win over Cagliari.

The Giallorossi secured their 11th win in 12 home games, beating Cagliari 1-0 on Sunday.

Ranieri warned Dovbyk on the eve of the game, saying that the Ukrainian international should believe in his teammates or could lose his starting spot.

The ex-Girona star not only began the match but also scored the winner in the second half.

“Dovbyk is a guy who needs affection and understanding, and both the team and I give him exactly that,” Ranieri told DAZN via TMW.

“He shouldn’t live only to score goals; he needs to be in the right place at the right time and give it a try. I’m happy for him. It was important for him to break the deadlock.”

Roma showed a much-needed reaction today after Thursday’s Europa League exit against Athletic Club.

“I asked the boys to bounce back. The stadium was full, and the fans showed their support,” Ranieri said.

“We needed a game full of grit, commitment, and a spirit of sacrifice. The league has become extremely tough in the second half of the season, and now we’ll take it one game at a time and see where we stand.”

ROME, ITALY - FEBRUARY 20: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between AS Roma and FC Porto at Stadio Olimpico on February 20, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) — ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 20: Paulo Dybala of AS Roma scores his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between AS Roma and FC Porto at Stadio Olimpico on February 20, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Paulo Dybala was not fully fit, so he was introduced from the bench in the second half, but he was also forced to be subbed off a few minutes later due to an injury.

The Argentinean was spotted in tears on the bench, causing concern among Roma fans.

“He felt something in the back, not his knee,” Ranieri explained.

“He’ll undergo tests, and we hope it’s nothing serious.”

The Giallorossi sit 7th in the Serie A table, just four points below the top four.

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Roma: Ranieri provides Dybala injury update, Dovbyk ‘needs affection’

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