Turci hails Soulé's growth and De Roon's impact at Roma

Fabio Capello has said Inter remain the favourites for the Serie A title, while admitting he enjoys seeing both Rome and Milan at the top of the table. The former Roma manager spoke in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I have always argued that Inter were the favourites, the best-equipped squad for the Scudetto, and at the moment I have no reasons to convince me otherwise. Seeing all of Milan and all of Rome up there, however, pleases me and takes me back to my past," Capello said. Capello also compared Roma with AC Milan, and he gave Gian Piero Gasperini's side the edge. "I see Roma in better shape, because they have an established way of playing, while the Rossoneri are still searching for their definitive identity. It is not a criticism: Gasperini has been working with his players for a year, while Amorim has only just arrived, and the difference on the pitch is noticeable." His comments point to the advantage of continuity at the Giallorossi, with Gasperini's methods now bedded in across the squad. For Roma, the praise from a former coach who knows the club well is a boost as the side keeps pace with the leaders. Capello's view is that the team are playing well, even though Inter are still the team he expects to win the title.

Several Roman radio pundits have weighed in on Roma's forward options ahead of the match against Cagliari, with former striker Roberto Pruzzo calling for a new attacker in January to replace Rodrigo Mora. Francesco Balzani of Teleradiostereo said he has long admired Matías Soulé, though he was disappointed by the Argentine last year. He said Soulé is now making the step he had hoped for, and added: "Sta concludendo un mese incredibile. Sarà la serata di Mora? Mi auguro di sì." Balzani said that if Soulé can produce around 15 or 20 matches like his display against Napoli by the end of the season, he will become the player he had hoped for. He added: "Poi non è l'ultima spiaggia perché è un ragazzo giovane, però è una chance importante. Questa dev'essere la partita in cui fa vedere qualcosa in più." Balzani was not sure Donyell Malen would start and said Santiago Castro could play instead. He pointed to a busy schedule ahead, with Udine, Manchester and Sassuolo still to come, saying: "devi capire qual è la sfida in cui puoi far riposare qualcuno e credo che questa sia la più adatta." Roma therefore need to pick the right game to rest players, and Balzani believes this fixture is the right one. Pruzzo said Cagliari are in freefall and in difficulty, and that Roma must take advantage. "È importante trovare i tre punti e con la qualità dei giocatori può farcela," he said. He also stressed that Roma must start picking up points in the Champions League against Manchester United. "La Roma a gennaio deve prendere un attaccante al posto di Mora." Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà said Roma are in the sixth match of a run of nine and he feared the physical and mental fatigue of the previous games could be felt. "La Roma deve vincere per continuare ad aggiungere consapevolezza ed autostima e spero ci riesca senza faticare troppo."

Former Roma boss Fabio Capello has said it is pleasing to see Milan and Roma near the top of Serie A, a sight that takes him back to his own past. Speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the 2001 Serie A champion analysed the early form of the title contenders and reflected on the return of the capital's and Milan's clubs to the summit. "Seeing all of Milan and all of Rome up there pleases me, and it takes me back to my past," said the coach, who has managed the giallorossi as well as Milan and Juventus. Capello still considers Inter the favourites, currently top of the table alongside Lazio. "I have always argued that they were the favourites, the best-equipped squad for the Scudetto, and at the moment I have no reasons to convince me otherwise." He also praised Lazio, who have won seven of their first eight matches, and singled out the work of Gennaro Gattuso, whom he credited with building a team that is solid, vertical and not prone to needless complications in possession. Roma and Milan sit four points further back, level in third place. Asked to compare the two, Capello had no doubts: "I see Roma in better shape, because they have a game that is already tested." He attributed that preference mainly to the continuity of Gian Piero Gasperini's work, in his second season in charge of the giallorossi, compared with Rúben Amorim, who joined Milan only in the summer. In Capello's view, the rossoneri are still searching for a definitive identity, while Roma can already count on established mechanisms and a recognisable organisation of play. Capello has voiced confidence in Gasperini's project before. In the first weeks of the season he had named Roma as one of the main alternatives to Inter in the title race. Roma's subsequent form, despite some setbacks, appears to have strengthened that conviction. Seeing the two great cities of Italian football back in the fight at the top, he added, brings him back to the great Scudetto battles he lived through first-hand.

Roma avoided their first league defeat of the season at the Maradona, rescued from a 2-0 deficit by Stephan El Shaarawy's...

Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport insisted Roma paid 25 million euros for Mora, not 50 million, in the latest instalment of the Roman radio roundup. He said: "Roma paid 25 million for Mora, then if this year he scores 100 goals and is worth 200 million, Roma have the option of paying 25 million to remove that clause on a future resale. But they did not buy 50% of the player, they bought 100% of the player. If they sell him, they must give 50% of what they receive, which Roma can remove by paying another 25 million. Since you have been insinuating for days that he is rubbish but you do not have the courage to say it, you say he was paid 50 million, but it is not true! If Roma take Mora to the end of his contract, they will have paid 25 million. It is very clear." Rossi, also on Rete Sport, reopened the debate over Pellegrini, saying that some people had doubted Roma's decision to renew Dybala and Pellegrini this summer, citing a history of injuries. He said Dybala has not reached half of his appearances and that Pellegrini had reached his 100th injury. Pellegrini has now re-injured the musculotendinous junction of the flexor, and will take another three months out. Rossi added that the injury was not fixed and that the club paid five million gross for the player, money he said Roma could have spent better. On Tele Radio Stereo, Alessio Nardo asked whether this is Pellegrini's last season with Roma, adding that the speculation should be hedged because "with Pellegrini you never know". He also questioned whether Gasperini chose to speak at his press conference today to avoid questions about possible errors in the transfer market and about underestimating certain aspects. Nardo described a city that remains bitter even after a third-place finish and seven wins in ten matches, saying Mora had become "the new Zaragoza" and had been "destroyed" over the last 48 hours. Lorenzo Pes disagreed, arguing that Gasperini skipped the press conference simply because of a run of closely spaced matches. Valentina Catoni argued that the real problem was not renewing Pellegrini but failing to sign another forward, saying Gasperini had asked for at least one more player up front. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said Roma are playing the season with only 20 outfield players, two of whom, Dybala and Pellegrini, have had a hard few years. He said the club's wage bill problem is the card Roma will play in front of UEFA, and claimed Pellegrini has played only 150 minutes in total. Torri also said he would have signed El Shaarawy at the end of the window, since he could play as a wide attacker or in midfield. Paola Cosenza voiced concern about Cristante, who is returning from a collateral ligament problem, fearing he may force his recovery. Marco Valerio Corsi said he expected Gasperini to protect Mora in the match at Napoli if he delivered another lacklustre performance, and that he doubted Wesley could play as a forward. Roberto Pruzzo said Soulé is growing and that Roma should build around him, and that he sees Santiago Castro as the alternative, adding that Mora looks too far behind the level required for the stage he is being asked to perform on. He said: "We must hope Malen doesn't even have a cold, otherwise it gets tough." Mario Mattioli argued that Pellegrini had only returned from injury two matches earlier and that the club had already lived through a similar situation. Nando Orsi criticised the constant talk of signings and of how Gasperini's training compares with that of previous years. The discussion is set to continue on the same programme, with pundits calling for Roma to reach January in contention for the top places before the club reassesses its options.

Lorenzo Pellegrini returns to the starting XI tonight as Roma face Slovan Bratislava in the UEFA Champions League, 2,806 days after the club last won a Champions League match. Roma have not competed in Europe's premier competition for seven years, and Malen and his team-mates aim to return to winning ways after points slipped away against Fenerbahce and Real Madrid. The last Roma win came on 12 February 2019, when the Giallorossi beat Porto 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico. Porto progressed on the return leg after a 3-1 victory. Pellegrini started that evening too, and he is the only survivor from that side. The squad around him has changed completely since then. Di Francesco's 4-3-3 that night included Cristante, who is missing tonight through injury, and Daniele De Rossi in midfield. Dzeko led the line, with El Shaarawy alongside him and Zaniolo, who scored twice, in support. The defence was made up of Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio and Kolarov, with Mirante in goal. Santon, Kluivert and Nzonzi came off the bench. Seven years on from that night, Roma want to win in the Champions League again.

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 came from behind to beat Cagliari, with substitutes Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen breaking a 2-2 deadlock after goals from Lulli and Pisilli. The win was built on the bench: Mora headed in a decisive goal, and Malen added a third for Roma against Cagliari, scoring the winner with a sharp finish. Gasperini's side were far from comfortable for long spells, and the match was tough and rugged throughout. The game was tense and difficult for the hosts. Roma's attacking DNA left space at the back, and Cagliari exploited it, particularly when they raised the tempo. Gollini was outstanding in goal, making several saves, while Soulé also earned praise for his performance. Ghilardi, who came on in the 81st minute, made an immediate impact with a sharp overlap and a cross that drew praise. Gasperini directed the team from the first minutes and was seen gesturing to his players and taking off his jacket during a tense spell. Lulli had a standout display, scoring the first goal after a fine run and an elegant finish, and he also assisted Pisilli for the second. Lulli's new contract was described as a boost of pure energy. Pisilli, who had to defend an accidental handball early on that was punished after the on-field review, recovered with a quick, sharp finish. Molina created the equaliser with a sharp turn and a perfect cross, though his flank was the quieter one in the first half. Mora's goal came with a header, and he celebrated with a line that the short guy is often forgotten. Mora was praised for his talent and humour. Malen came on and created chaos before his decisive finish. Rensch, who replaced Lulli in the 76th minute, was caught out on the flank as Cagliari levelled, nearly complicating matters further. De Roon was praised for his workrate despite the rotation, and Castro struggled to find his rhythm, touching the ball only 17 times after the break. Mancini had a mixed match, starting as a centre-forward and firing an early shot at Caprile, but was visibly tired and was outpaced by Fadera before being replaced by Ghilardi. Koulierakis won several duels and made a crucial save in one instance, though his build-up play was still a work in progress. N'Dicka stayed calm and held his position despite Nzola's more determined attempts. Cristante was active, touching countless balls and contributing to Lulli's goal before taking a defensive role late on.

Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2, with Niccolò Pisilli scoring the equaliser and Mora netting a headed goal after coming on at half-time. Cagliari were awarded a penalty early on after a rash arm from Pisilli, and Nzola converted it, but Pisilli soon levelled. Pisilli was sharp for the goal, pouncing like a falcon to beat Caprile on 20 minutes for the 2-1, though the article notes he was far from flawless, with several loose touches and a sloppy second half that nearly allowed Cagliari an equaliser. The result came in a game where Roma's defence was tested repeatedly. Nzola beat Ndicka only once, from the penalty spot, while Cagliari's striker had another dangerous chance against him. Gollini was praised for his work in goal: he was beaten by the spot-kick from Nzola, but made a crucial save on Adopo close to the line and a stop on Obert shortly before half-time. In the second half he made three saves, and the match report highlights his efficiency. The rating given to Gollini was 6.5, the same as Koulierakis and Pisilli. Mancini was given a 5 for a performance that was more like an advanced winger than a central defender. He tested Caprile early on, but his attacking runs left space for Cagliari down his flank, and Fadera exploited it to pressure him throughout. Ghilardi came on for him on 82 minutes and immediately delivered a cross for Mora, earning a 6.5 rating. De Roon was rated 5.5 after a sluggish start, needing support from Cristante when Cagliari attacked through the middle, and was replaced on 56 minutes by Mora. Mora, rated 7, took the spotlight as expectations surrounded him. His first minutes were awkward, but he produced two good assists that teammates failed to convert. He then scored with his head, despite his height not being an obvious advantage, and was also involved in the build-up to Roma's fourth goal. Molina was rated 6 for his cross play, which was visible in the build-up to the equaliser, though he offered little else in the first half. Wesley came on at half-time with a 6 rating, described as clear-minded despite recent talk about social media, alleged infidelity and money. Soulè was rated 6.5 and was involved on several occasions: he released Mancini down the right after five minutes, dropped deep to create space for teammates, and came close to scoring from a free kick. Castro was rated 5.5 for struggling to provide the depth Malen offers, and Gasperini gave him another ten minutes to prove himself. Malen replaced him on 56 minutes and was rated 7, converting the chance that came his way with a powerful finish past Caprile.

Pierluigi Gollini spoke to reporters after Roma's 9th-round Serie A win over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, saying the points were heavy and keep the club in contention. The goalkeeper credited the squad for its depth and commitment. The Roma stopper said the team has played many matches and that it is normal to lose some sharpness at times, but that big teams find a way to win even when they are not playing their best. He said the group is giving a lot of answers and that everyone is always available, calling it a great credit that should be recognised. Asked whether he expected Lulli to be so strong, Gollini said: "We saw him in training camp and we thought he had great athleticism. Many times we have told him that the quality of his choices will determine his career. It will be up to him to learn to make the right choices. He has his head on his shoulders; every now and then I have to remind him to defend because he likes to attack, but he is super humble and he will have a great career." On whether his own performances are a response to doubters, Gollini said: "I have played little in recent years, but in training I see myself, and my teammates see me. Obviously football is a world that moves super fast; if you do nothing, it seems you are finished. Even though I have not played, I have always been in an environment of great level. I am happy to have had this chance now, even though we are sad for Mile. We have to keep going like this."

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.

Lulli is the star of the moment for Roma after a week that brought a contract renewal to 2031 and a decisive goal and assist to turn around Nzola's opening lead. The young Giallorosso defender was speaking to Dazn after the match. Asked whether he is now scoring a goal a game at the Olimpico, Lulli said: "It's a dream, really. I'm very happy. The important thing is to keep my feet on the ground, be humble and keep working. I feel the trust from the staff, the coach, the club and my teammates. It's very important and it's the ideal way to keep trying to always improve." The renewal, which runs until 2031, came earlier in the same week, and the goal and assist came in the same match. The performance has put the young player firmly in the spotlight at a time when the club's supporters are seeing his progress up close.