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Evan N'Dicka

Defender#5· Ivorian

Born in Paris to a Cameroonian father and an Ivorian mother, Evan N'Dicka represented France at every youth level before making the decision to switch his international allegiance to the Ivory Coast — a choice that paid off when he won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Elephants in 2023.

N'Dicka arrived at Roma in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer after five seasons at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he had developed into one of the Bundesliga's most dependable centre-backs and won the UEFA Europa League in 2022. At Roma, he has been nothing short of exceptional — physically dominant, technically comfortable, and consistent in a way that marks out elite defenders.

His ability to step out of defence and carry the ball is a weapon in itself, giving Roma an extra dimension when building from the back. He has pace to burn, which allows him to defend high lines that would punish slower defenders. Simply one of the best centre-backs in Serie A.

Latest on Evan N'Dicka

Mora and Malen save Roma after Lulli and Pisilli goals against Cagliari
Match ReportSerie A● AI
4h ago

Mora and Malen save Roma after Lulli and Pisilli goals against Cagliari

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.

Gasperini and Pisacane name their line-ups for Roma v Cagliari
Serie ASquad News● AI
7h ago

Gasperini and Pisacane name their line-ups for Roma v Cagliari

Roma return to the Stadio Olimpico to face Cagliari, coached by Pisacane, after the 1-1 draw at Napoli. Gasperini has made some changes for the match. Cagliari have had a strong start to the league season but come into the game on the back of two heavy defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, De Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Cristante; Castro. Balerdi, who scored a brace at the Maradona in Naples, is among the substitutes, alongside Vásquez, De Marzi, Rensch, Ghilardi, Mora, Wesley, Hermoso, Malen, Arena and Camara. Gasperini is in charge. Cagliari set up in a 5-4-1 formation: Caprile; Ze Pedro, Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Deiola; Adopo, Fadera; Nzola. Their substitutes are Sherri, Radunovic, Kofler, Aurelio, Liteta, Sulev, Fazzini, Gagliardini, Ciervo, Maldini, Carlos, Mendy and Trepy. Pisacane is the Cagliari coach.

Roma v Cagliari: probable line-ups, Lulli favoured over Wesley, chances for Balerdi and Mora
Match ReportSquad News● AI
8h ago

Roma v Cagliari: probable line-ups, Lulli favoured over Wesley, chances for Balerdi and Mora

Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to make several changes as Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico in tonight's midweek ninth-round Serie A fixture, coached by Fabio Pisacane. Roma return home after a thrilling 3-3 draw away at Napoli and are looking to win three points to stay close to the top of the table. Gasperini is reportedly taking the chance of the short turnaround to change his starting eleven. Dybala is returning towards the squad but is expected to start on the bench, while Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini remain unavailable. On the Cagliari side, Winks is out with lower back pain, while Trepy is back in contention. According to the probable line-ups, Ghilardi and Balerdi could get a first-minute opportunity in defence, while Lulli and Molina are expected to operate on the flanks. Up front, Soulé and Rodrigo Mora are favoured to play behind Malen. Roma are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Cagliari are expected in a 4-2-3-1: Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodríguez, Obert; Romano, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini, Fazzini; Mendy. Roma's substitutes are Vásquez, De Marzi, Hermoso, Mancini, Wesley, Rensch, Koulierakis, Di Nunzio, De Roon, Camara and Castro. Cagliari's bench includes Sherri, Radunović, Kofler, Zé Pedro, Aurelio, Liteta, Sulev, Massolin, Gagliardini, Trepy, Kevin Carlos, Nzola, Fadera and Ciervo. The match is refereed by Feliciani of Teramo, with assistants Zingarelli and Fontani. The fourth official is Mariani, the VAR is Ghersini and the assistant VAR is Camplone.

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Roma vs Cagliari: Gasperini set for changes as Koulierakis and Castro tipped to start
Squad NewsSerie A● AI
8h ago

Roma vs Cagliari: Gasperini set for changes as Koulierakis and Castro tipped to start

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico tonight in the ninth round of Serie A, and Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to make several changes to the side that drew 3-3 at Napoli. Koulierakis is reportedly in line to start from the first minute, and Castro is tipped to take over from Malen up front, with Malen's place reportedly under threat. Ghilardi and Balerdi are also in contention for starts in defence, while Lulli and Molina are expected on the flanks. The midweek fixture comes straight after the thrilling 3-3 draw at Napoli, and Roma will be looking to bounce back in front of their own fans and stay in touch with the top of the table. Gasperini has rotated his side for the quick turnaround. Paulo Dybala is returning to the matchday squad but is expected to begin on the bench. Mile Svilar, Manu Koné and Lorenzo Pellegrini remain unavailable. Cagliari, coached by Fabio Pisacane, will be without Winks, who is sidelined with lower back pain, while Trepy is back in contention. The probable Roma XI is Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Koulierakis; Lulli, Cristante, De Roon, Molina; Soulé, Pisilli; Castro. Roma's bench is Vásquez, De Marzi, Hermoso, Balerdi, Wesley, Rensch, Di Nunzio, Camara and Malen. Cagliari are expected to line up Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodríguez, Obert; Romano, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini, Fazzini; Mendy. Their bench includes Sherri, Radunović, Kofler, Zé Pedro, Aurelio, Liteta, Sulev, Massolin, Gagliardini, Trepy, Kevin Carlos, Nzola, Fadera and Ciervo. The referee is Feliciani from Teramo, assisted by Zingarelli and Fontani. Mariani is the fourth official, Ghersini is on VAR and Camplone is assistant VAR.

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Roma face Cagliari at the Olimpico as Mora and Balerdi feature in the squad
Match ReportSerie A● AI
10h ago

Roma face Cagliari at the Olimpico as Mora and Balerdi feature in the squad

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico at 20:45, looking to bounce back from a late draw against Napoli. Cagliari come into the match after a home defeat to Bologna, and head coach Gasperini has turned to his Argentine forward pairing, with Santiago Castro and Matías Soulé starting up front. Donyell Malen begins on the bench. Gasperini sets Roma up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Pierluigi Gollini in goal and a back three of Gianluca Mancini, Evan N'Dicka and Konstantinos Koulierakis. Emanuele Lulli, Marten de Roon, Niccolò Pisilli and Nahuel Molina form the midfield four, while Bryan Cristante and Soulé operate in the two attacking midfield roles and Castro leads the line. Cagliari, coached by Pisacane, line up 5-4-1 with Caprile in goal and Nzola as the lone striker. The scoring started early, with Nzola putting Cagliari ahead in the 6th minute before Lulli equalised in the 11th. Pisilli made it 2-1 to Roma in the 21st minute. Maldini levelled for Cagliari in the 81st, but Mora scored in the 86th and Malen added a goal in the 88th. Roma's substitutions included Wesley replacing Molina in the 46th minute, Mora coming on for De Roon in the 55th, Malen replacing Castro in the same minute, and Ghilardi and Rensch entering for Mancini and Lulli in the 76th. Balerdi, Vásquez, De Marzi, Hermoso, Arena and Camara were among the substitutes named.

Gasperini names Roma squad for Cagliari clash as Dybala remains out
Squad NewsSerie A● AI
12h ago

Gasperini names Roma squad for Cagliari clash as Dybala remains out

Gian Piero Gasperini has named his Roma squad for tonight's midweek home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, with Paulo Dybala again absent. The Argentine forward is not in the list and will therefore be unavailable against Cagliari. Manu Koné and Mile Svilar are also left out of the squad. Young Camara has been included in the group Gasperini has available for the Olimpico fixture, and is listed among the forwards. The rest of the squad includes goalkeepers Vásquez, De Marzi and Gollini. The defenders are Rensch, Koulierakis, N'Dicka, Molina, Hermoso, Mancini, Balerdi, Wesley, Lulli and Ghilardi. The midfield options are Cristante, De Roon, Pisilli, Di Nunzio and Mora. The attacking options are Castro, Malen, Soulé and Camara. The selection makes clear which players are available to Gasperini for a match that comes just days into the stretch of fixtures ahead. With Dybala and Koné absent, the squad relies on the defensive and midfield depth listed, while Camara's inclusion gives the coach an additional option up front.

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