Malen named Serie A's best player at Scopigno and Pulici awards; Svilar wins best goalkeeper

Gianluca Mancini made his 250th Serie A appearance for Roma in the 9th matchday fixture against Cagliari. The milestone makes him the first defender to reach 250 Serie A appearances in the giallorossi shirt in the three-points-for-a-win era, which began in 1994-95. Mancini, a Tuscan centre-back, has been with the club since July 2019, as per the club's squad records. Reaching the mark on home soil against Cagliari underlines his long service and consistency in the Roma defence under head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The record is the club's own benchmark for defenders in the modern league format, and it places Mancini at the top of that list for the Roman side. Roma remain focused on building momentum in the domestic campaign.

Actor Marco Giallini, a well-known Roma fan, has described how he juggled filming commitments with his club's matches, telling the podcast Nonlofaccioxmoda that when Roma were playing, filming simply did not happen. Asked by interviewer Giulia Salemi how he managed to reconcile set commitments with Giallorossi fixtures, he answered without hesitation: "No, e chi gira!" ("No way, who's filming?"). Giallini recalled an episode during the shooting of the film Perfetti sconosciuti. Several members of the crew were rival supporters, including the director of photography and Paolo Genovese. Giallini and Mastandrea were watching the match, but their friends were ahead by 30 seconds because they were watching on television, while Giallini and Mastandrea were following it on a computer. The film needed a goal to progress, and the rivalry on set became heated. Giallini said: "Ao, aspetta un attimo!" when the crew called them back to shoot. He then continued: "Dovevamo fare un gol per passare il turno e a un certo punto sento uno dei due amici dire: 'No, fagliela guardare'." The remark immediately told him how the match would end. "E lì ho pensato: 'Non vengo più, me ne vado'. Me ne volevo andare. Io e Mastandrea ce ne siamo andati. È stata la cosa più brutta che ho ricevuto da due amici fraterni." The episode ended with the crew calling them back: "Ma dove andate? Stiamo girando un filmone!" ("Where are you going? We're shooting a great film!").

Il Messaggero has published a further look at the social media habits of Roma winger Wesley, focusing on displays of wealth, luxury cars and controversial episodes from his time at Flamengo, days after his wife Amanda Martins announced their separation on social media and accused him of repeated infidelity. The newspaper highlights one of the player's recent TikTok posts, showing stacks of 50-euro banknotes and two luxury watches placed in front of a gaming setup. The images drew attention from users and raised questions about publicly displaying high-value items. Il Messaggero notes that it is not known whether the banknotes shown are genuine or replicas. The newspaper also points to the security risks such displays could carry. In September 2025, thieves reportedly tried to break into the player's villa. In early October, Wesley showed his car collection on social media, and a few days later he was photographed behind the wheel of his Lamborghini at Ponte Milvio. Earlier content had also drawn interest over the summer, including a July video in which the Brazilian showed his wife virtual accessories he had bought for a video game, among them a digital knife costing more than 2,000 euros. Il Messaggero also revisits earlier incidents from his time in Brazil. In March 2024, while playing for Flamengo, Wesley was reported to police by a businessman over an alleged assault at a beach kiosk. The player rejected the accusation and gave a different account of the episode. In August of the same year, a video showing him at a nightclub after a defeat to Botafogo caused controversy. The report comes the day after Amanda Martins's harsh outburst on social media, in which she announced the separation and accused her husband of repeated infidelity. Those accusations are her version of events and have not been established as fact. The newspaper's main question is whether these off-pitch matters could in future affect Wesley's performances on the field. That remains a concern rather than an established consequence, as the Brazilian continues to be an important asset for Gasperini's Roma.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari on a midweek night at the Stadio Olimpico, with two youth-team products, Emanuele Lulli and Niccolò Pisilli, at the centre of the win. Cagliari took the lead in the 7th minute after Pisilli won a penalty, a handball that went to VAR before referee Feliciani pointed to the spot. Nzola sent the kick past Gollini to make it 0-1. Lulli then equalised, and Pisilli turned from culprit to decisive figure within 11 minutes. Their energy and willingness to take responsibility, from shots to runs to final passes, broke down a stubborn Cagliari side and reignited the crowd during a difficult spell. The match was not a polished performance, and the article describes this Roma side as young in its flaws. Just as it seemed the game was won, Maldini slipped past Mancini and beat Gollini, silencing the Olimpico. Gasperini was seen gesturing from the touchline as the tempo dropped and Mancini struggled. Mora and Malen, both thrown on to add freshness and weight to the final attack, changed the momentum and the scoreboard. Roma won, though more narrowly than expected. The article contrasts this response with the previous match against Real Madrid, where the pride to hit back was missing. Lulli, who recently signed a contract extension until 2031, opened Roma's scoring and was described as having been protected to avoid repeating past mistakes. Pisilli and Lulli together brought a contagious energy to the pitch, with their surges and hunger for loose balls breaking Cagliari's resistance. Their approach to the match, following a difficult game against Napoli, was seen as a sign of personality. The article also notes that the win recalled the phrase 'La Roma di Pisulli', a nod to the two young players who had dreamed of wearing the shirt from the stands or from Trigoria. The article leaves no further fixtures or decisions to report at this stage.

Roma came back to winning ways in Serie A with a 4-2 victory over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, a match full of drama that was opened by a penalty from Nzola and decided by a late one-two from Mora and Malen. The win moves Gasperini's side to within four points of league leaders Lazio. The Giallorossi were made to work for the points after Cagliari's early spot-kick. Mora and Malen then combined in the closing stages to restore the three points and keep Roma in touch with the top of the table. The other two goals for Roma were scored by the young Lulli and Pisilli, meaning the squad's younger players also found the net in a result that lifted the mood in the capital. In the player ratings, Soulé was given a 7 for his bright performance, Ghilardi earned a 7 for a decisive assist, Malen a 6.5 and Mora a 7.5 for the goals that sealed victory. Mora and Malen, the two scorers who settled the contest, were the difference between the sides at the end of a match that swung several times.

Rodrigo Mora came off the bench to decide the match, heading a goal and then setting up Donyell Malen, with the result secured after Cagliari had equalised. Speaking to DAZN after the game, the Portuguese midfielder said: "Sogno serate così, voglio essere decisivo." Asked whether it was a win for the young players, he replied: "Sì, è un gruppo davvero giovane ma anche forte. Tutti sono pronti a giocare, giovani o più 'vecchi' che siano. La cosa importante è la squadra. Due settimane fa è stato decisivo Soulé, questa sera io nella stessa posizione. A prescindere dall'età, tutti stiamo dando il meglio e rendendo possibile questo percorso." Mora said that his goal and assist came in a difficult match and that helping the team mattered most to him. On playing on the left, he said: "Per me giocare a sinistra è meglio in modo da andare dentro il campo, lo stesso vale per Soulé che parte da destra per accentrarsi. Ma gioco in ogni posizione per aiutare la squadra." Matías Soulé was the player who had been decisive in the same role two weeks earlier. On his header, Mora said: "Non segno tanto di testa, ma qualche volta gli avversari dimenticano il giocatore più basso. Quindi riesco a trovare lo spazio per segnare di testa." On working under Gian Piero Gasperini, he said: "Il mister vuole che andiamo all'attacco, a volte è difficile ma ci proviamo. E' una cosa positiva, pensare sempre a fare gol è importante per vincere le gare." He added that Gasperini had asked him to play with confidence and to take on opponents without fear, and that he could still improve his physical condition. Mora thanked the supporters who kept singing after Cagliari levelled, saying: "Da quando sono arrivato mi hanno accolto benissimo e avevo voglia di una serata così per ripagarli, sono contento di aver segnato. Nel momento più difficile, quando il Cagliari ha pareggiato, i tifosi hanno continuato a cantare e ci hanno dato la spinta per ribaltarla." On starting, he said: "Tutti i giocatori vorrebbero partire titolari ma quello che più importa e che chiunque giochi anche entrando dalla panchina dia il massimo." He acknowledged that adapting to Italian football is a process: "Continuerò a lavorare per guadagnare più minuti."

Pierluigi Gollini, who was in goal for Roma, said the team's ability to win and take points despite not playing at their best is a major credit to the group, and that he had always known his own worth. Gollini made several key saves to keep the result intact, and he is about to hand the number one shirt back to Mile Svilar. Speaking to Dazn, he said: "Sono punti pesanti che ci permettono di stare lì, giocando tante partite non è facile e ci sta ogni tanto che manchi un po' di brillantezza." In English: "These are heavy points that allow us to stay in the race. Playing so many games is not easy, and it's understandable that now and then we lack a bit of brilliance." Gollini stressed that strong, solid sides with important objectives can still pick up points and win even when they are not playing well. "A volte abbiamo portato via un punto che valeva una vittoria, oggi siamo riusciti a portarne via tre. Questo è importante." That is: "Sometimes we have taken away a point that was worth a win; today we managed to take away three. This is important." He praised the squad, saying: "Questo gruppo sta dando tante risposte, sono sempre tutti a disposizione e al massimo." In English: "This group is giving many answers, everyone is always available and at their best." He added: "Questo è un grande credito che ci va dato." Meaning: "This is a great credit that we deserve." Asked whether he expected to see Lulli performing like this, Gollini replied: "L'ho visto in ritiro, tutti pensavamo avesse grande atletismo. La qualità delle scelte in avanti farà la differenza nella sua carriera. Imparare a fare le scelte giuste, sta a lui. Ora sta imparando anche a buttarsi dentro, ma è un bravissimo ragazzo e ha la testa sulle spalle. Ogni tanto lo devo riprendere per difendere, gli piace attaccare, ma è bravo e super-umile. Farà una grande carriera, ne sono sicuro." In English: "I saw him in training; everyone thought he had great athleticism. The quality of his decisions going forward will make the difference in his career. Learning to make the right choices is up to him. Now he's also learning to commit himself, but he is a very good lad with his head on his shoulders. Every so often I have to tell him to defend, he likes to attack, but he is good and super-humble. He will have a great career, I'm sure of it." On his own situation, Gollini said: "Ho giocato poco negli ultimi anni, ma in allenamento mi vedo e i miei compagni mi vedono. Il calcio va super veloce, bastano sei mesi e tutti pensano che tu sia morto. Anche quando non ho giocato, sono sempre stato in ambienti di grande livello e con grandi giocatori. Il mio valore l'ho sempre saputo." In English: "I've played little in recent years, but in training I see myself and my teammates see me. Football moves super fast, six months is all it takes and everyone thinks you're dead. Even when I haven't played, I have always been in top-level environments with great players. I have always known my own value." He added: "Mi dispiace per Mile, che tutti abbracceremo quando tornerà, ma sono contento di aver avuto il mio momento. L'importante è andare avanti e fare il meglio per questa squadra, stiamo facendo una bell'annata e bisogna continuare così." In English: "I feel for Mile, whom we will all embrace when he returns, but I am happy to have had my moment. The important thing is to move forward and do our best for this team; we are having a good season and we must keep it going."

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in their ninth Serie A match of the season, with Lulli, Pisilli, Mora and Malen on the scoresheet. The result was made to look harder than it was by a performance that Giallorossi.net's player ratings describe as one of the least convincing of the season. Gollini, standing in for the injured Svilar, was named the best Roma player despite conceding twice, rated 7.5 for a string of saves, including a decisive stop on Adopo in the first half and another in the second half, mainly against Mendy. Mancini was given a 5, the lowest mark in the Roma side, after being repeatedly troubled by Fadera's acceleration. Ndicka (6) struggled against Nzola and Mendy, while Koulierakis (6) was solid without standing out. Lulli was the standout of the first half, rated 7.5. He headed in the equaliser and then supplied the pass that set up Pisilli for the go-ahead goal. Pisilli (6) was a mix of error and reward: his handball gave Cagliari a penalty, before he struck a powerful right-foot shot past Caprile to put Roma back in front. The match had been levelled by Obert, who beat Rensch in the move that brought the equaliser, after Rensch (5.5) came on in the 76th minute. De Roon (5.5) had a quiet game and was replaced by Rodrigo Mora in the 56th minute. Mora's introduction changed the match. He was rated 7 after starting on the right, a position that appeared to limit him, before Gasperini moved him to the left. He first scored with a towering header, then played the ball to Malen for the 4-2. Malen, who had wasted a clear chance set up by Mora, came on in the 56th minute and was rated 7 after firing a second right-foot effort past Caprile to seal the win. Molina (6.5) had a good first half, providing the right-foot cross for Lulli's goal, and Wesley (6) was rated 6 after coming on at half-time. Soulé (6) faded after a bright start, and Cristante (5.5) and Castro (5) both had poor games. Ghilardi (7) came on in the 83rd minute and delivered the cross for Mora's winner. Gasperini was rated 6.5. The article says Roma suffered against a strong Cagliari side and often looked close to conceding, but the coach's substitutions turned the game. Its concern was his decision to start Mora on the right and Soulé on the left, which Gasperini reversed at the break, after which Mora changed the match. The reviewer concluded: "Non sarà stata una bella Roma, ma proprio per questo i tre punti valgono ancora di più."

Roma bounced back from their draw at the Maradona with a win over Cagliari, as goals from Mora and Malen secured three points after Maldini had equalised. The result was Gasperini's ninth consecutive positive result of this Serie A start. Speaking to Dazn shortly after the final whistle, the head coach was happy with the performance despite a flat second half. Gasperini said: "Va molto bene così. Questa sera avevamo qualche elemento in difficoltà, che non aveva recuperato al meglio. Alcuni giocatori loro, soprattutto in attacco, erano più freschi e ci mettevano in difficoltà. Il motivo è solo questo. Anche in mezzo ultimamente abbiamo giocato sempre con gli stessi uomini, per 90' ogni volta, e si è vista un po' di fatica. E' un merito ancora più grande aver vinto questa partita, un po' con i cambi e un po' con la volontà di tutti. Soprattutto sull'1-0, abbiamo avuto un ottimo momento anche di gioco. Poi anche nel finale". On the depth of the squad, Gasperini praised Ghilardi, who had recently produced strong performances. He said Ghilardi "probabilmente doveva entrare prima", but a situation made the substitution difficult, as it would have been the first change after the interval. "Sta facendo bene, è cresciuto molto rispetto all'anno scorso e troverà sempre più spazio", he added. Balerdi and Hermoso were unavailable, having left the Napoli match battered, and Gasperini said the team needed to recover. Gasperini also noted the absence of Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini, and said Svilar had been less impressive while Gollini was "strepitoso". Cristante had returned after a month out and played two 90-minute matches in three days. Gasperini said: "Non avrebbe fatto 112 partite con me se non fosse stato un portiere di livello (ride, ndr). In una squadra che ha raggiunto anche la Champions e traguardi importanti. All'epoca era molto più giovane e anche più esuberante, diciamo, aveva magari meno spirito di lavorare e migliorarsi ed è stato un peccato. Già all'inizio era il terzo portiere della Nazionale. Ci siamo ritrovati a Roma e non ho mai avuto dubbi sulle sue qualità e potenzialità, abbiamo rimesso un po' di puntini a posto e da un'anno e mezzo a questa parte si allena benissimo. Sono molto felice per quello che ha fatto stasera e in queste ultime partite. Da vicino è straordinario, a volte prende gol dalla distanza ed è sempre stato un suo limite. Ma è un portiere di grande valore". On the youth products, Gasperini said: "Sono ragazzi straordinari. Nel settore giovanile della Roma ci sono sempre belle espressioni". Lulli had trained on heading the day before and scored with a header on Monday night, which Gasperini described as "non è il suo pezzo migliore, ma è stato straordinario". On Mora, Gasperini said: "Gli ho visto fare gol col Porto, simile a quello di stasera. E' piccolino, ma è molto coordinato e salta molto bene, oltre a colpire molto bene. Dà una frustata alla palla, questo è un gran gol". Asked about Mora's development, he said: "Deve formarsi dal punto di vista tecnico e fisico anche per giocare 90 minuti. Utilizzato così è una mina vagante, lo è stato anche a Napoli". Gasperini acknowledged some defensive lapses, explaining: "Questa era la sesta di continuo ogni 2-3 giorni, qualche giocatore te lo trovi stanco contro un avversario fresco come Maldini". On Dybala, he said the forward was confident after training on Monday, but recovery from injury was taking longer than expected. Gasperini added: "Con lui e Koné puntiamo il Sassuolo ma non so se sarà possibile". On Malen, he said: "Abbiamo fatto 23 gol in 9 giornate è una bella cifra. Lo scorso anno erano solo 10". He also commented on changes to Serie A, saying: "Hanno favorito il gioco del calcio, non si vede più una simulazione e i finali di partita si giocano".