AS Roma Opinion

Roman radio pundits have split over the photo Wesley posted, with David Rossi of Rete Sport saying he would sell the Brazilian in January if he were Roma's sporting director. Speaking on Rete Sport, Rossi said: "On all this Wesley business, it seems clear to me that private matters are private, even if they did little to keep them private. Moreover, she committed a crime by transferring her husband's phone data onto her own. That said, it certainly wasn't an afternoon of very high cultural and social standing. The worst thing was perhaps the photo of the watches and the money. It looked like those TG reports on drug dens seized by the Guardia di Finanza... frankly we could have done without it. I've seen a few things, having been inside, and if I were Roma's sporting director, a player who publishes that photo I would sell in January. Someone who does something like that shows poor sensitivity, and doesn't have football as the priority in his life. I'd already be looking for him a club in January, and I'd be working to find his replacement..." Gianluca Piacentini, also on Rete Sport, urged a clear separation between what happens on the pitch and private life. He said: "I would make the effort to keep what happens on the field separate from what happens in private life, without necessarily linking them. Nainggolan and Maicon had particular situations, but we judged what we saw on the pitch, and I would do the same with Wesley. And I wouldn't say that if he plays badly, it's because he separated from his wife..." Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was blunter about the spending on show. He said: "Wesley should think a moment before putting all that money up there. It's the only thing that can irritate, the rest are his private matters, I don't care. There are people who have to collect money to go and watch matches at the stadium, throwing all that money around like that is ridiculous... And the other thing that interests me is when the wife says 'when he gets drunk he can do anything'. So, drink less, in general. For the rest, he plays, runs, is good and we love him. He's a likeable lad. But let's try to go less to the newspapers... It was stupid to do all this, because now as soon as he plays badly they'll say he's been drinking, when a player can make mistakes in matches..." Francesca Ferrazza, also of Tele Radio Stereo, said Roma and Gasperini always keep a close eye on their players, especially young ones from modest backgrounds who suddenly find fame and are surrounded by people who may take advantage. Lorenzo Pes, also on Tele Radio Stereo, turned to the Ballon d'Or, saying Kane deserved it for his career, with his goalscoring numbers last year being "monstrous". He added that Yamal could have been in contention for the title but had a poor World Cup, and that he would have rewarded someone from PSG, probably Kvaratskhelia. On Dybala, Pes said: "If he said yes to the call-up, it's because he can play, and I expect him on the pitch tonight for twenty minutes or so." The match occupied the rest of the debate. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said: "Tonight's game worries me like all of them, and Cagliari come off two consecutive defeats, which I don't like at all. But they have 13 points in the table, they're very calm and can play with a certain serenity. The worry is that we are in the sixth match of a nine-game cycle, and the physical and mental fatigue, and the thought of the next ones, may in some way affect us. Roma tonight must win to add further confidence, I hope they manage it without struggling too much. If football were mathematics Roma would win without too many problems, but matches are strange. I hope this Roma is ever more Argentine in the spirit with which it goes on the pitch..." Nando Orsi of Radio Radio gave a sharper verdict on the Wesley affair, calling the intelligence level on both sides "very low", but said he would keep Wesley in the team. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said Cagliari were in freefall, having lost ground to ten points above the relegation zone after a fast start. He said: "Cagliari are in freefall. Roma must take advantage. Find out what kind of match you can put together, and then thanks to the quality of your players you should be able to get on top of it. Winning tonight with minimal effort and bringing home points..."

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."

Radio pundits were largely united in their verdict on Roma's recent draw with Napoli, with several praising head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and debating the referees' decisions. Speaking to Tele Radio Stereo, Corsi said: "A team that goes behind and, after giving everything, starts again, goes behind once more and equalises... there you need conviction, mental and physical strength. Gasperini has given this motivation that the Roma players haven't had for years. Right now Italy doesn't have the money to buy the great players, and the important thing is identity. And Roma now have an identity, and Gasperini is Roma right now." Pes, also on Tele Radio Stereo, was less convinced by Wesley's performance. He said: "At Napoli, Wesley did not convince me fully... very much in the shadows, perhaps one of the worst performances in giallorosso. Now we'll see if he plays tomorrow, because Gasp could change the line-up there." Piero Torri, speaking to Manà Manà Sport, said: "Perhaps it was the best Napoli of the season, but Roma did not steal anything. I am convinced that if Roma had gone ahead it would have ended up very close. Napoli at one point you crushed them with a defence set up, imagine if they had to open up to recover the result." Daniele Lo Monaco of Radio Romanista focused on the refereeing and on Wesley. He said Wesley was probably told to mark Politano on his right side, but "marking him on the right does not mean 'step aside', because on the cross he really did step aside. A real defender does not do that, and Wesley now and then has a lapse." He argued there was a difference in treatment between Malen's red card and the non-sending-off of Rafa Marin for the foul on Wesley, adding that the error was made on Malen because neither his nor Rafa Marin's challenge was a red card. He added: "If I don't want to be the protagonist as a referee, I give the yellow, then if it's a red the VAR tells me." Mattioli, on Radio Radio, said the match was very beautiful and contested despite the errors that are part of football. He said: "I didn't like Beukema's attitude, third-category, at a very delicate moment of the match. I would not underestimate Napoli; I have seen important players return to the level of their fame, and they can resume the path worthy of their strength." Pruzzo, also on Radio Radio, was harsher on Beukema: "He threw himself to the ground, he made a terrible impression, if he had stayed on his feet perhaps he would not have let his side concede a goal." He said he agreed with almost nothing about the game: "It was a festival of errors. Napoli threw away two points with a conduct of the match I struggle to understand. Roma struggled a lot but managed to get through it, and in the end it is an acceptable draw." Nando Orsi, on Radio Radio, defended the entertainment value of a 3-3 scoreline, saying: "Why do games that finish 3-3 have to be ugly? I don't understand... Thank goodness there are no more 0-0s. Were there errors? But what error is there in Anguissa's goal?"

Daniele Adani has criticised Massimiliano Allegri, the Napoli coach, over a remark aimed at Roma, saying Allegri should apologise to the Giallorossi. Adani, who has historically not seen eye to eye with Allegri, is reportedly in unanimous agreement with others on this occasion, following what the article describes as a clumsy verbal slip by the Napoli boss against the Rome club. Adani said: "If this is confirmed, I hope Allegri apologises for this allusion, which would be pathetic and disrespectful towards Roma, towards Gasperini and towards football." His comments centre on the reference to Roma and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, whom he defends directly. The remarks have drawn criticism beyond Adani, and the controversy places Roma's name at the centre of a debate between two Serie A coaches. Adani's call for an apology underlines how strongly he views the comment as an affront to the club and to its head coach.

Former Cagliari figure Cappioli has praised Gian Piero Gasperini's Roma, saying the side is showing important margins and that Gasperini "is and remains an added value". Speaking in an exclusive interview with RS, Cappioli said he would have enjoyed playing in a team built so firmly around attack. He suggested the club's strong attacking identity could sometimes be adjusted, warning: "There are moments in some games that can be managed, otherwise in certain matches you risk having to score 4 goals to win." He added: "I see a Roma in great growth." On Niccolò Pisilli, Cappioli said: "Roman players, Romanisti and midfielders must not be touched (laughs). He has grown a lot, he is strengthening physically, I think he is working well, and in the centre alongside the two midfielders he is improving game by game. It will be important for the national team too." Turning to Cagliari, Roma's next opponents, he said the Sardinian side "has started very well, but comes off two heavy consecutive defeats. It has lost something defensively, and Roma cannot be afraid of the Sardinian side." Cappioli also spoke about the troubled exit of Claudio Ranieri, the former manager. "I was sorry, he was the coach who gave me my Serie C debut with Cagliari, when I came back from military service on Saturdays he always played me. I am sorry about how things went. Claudio is Roman, a Romanista, and he cares about this shirt." Asked whether Roma can fight for the Scudetto, he replied: "I think they will be in the race until the end, because it is a team in constant growth, although Inter are objectively superior to everyone."

Reader Michele dall'Oman has turned the Napoli-Roma match into a cartoon in the style of an Oscars ceremony, mocking Napoli defender Sam Beukema over the controversial incident late in the game at the Maradona. In the cartoon, Beukema wins the award for best supporting actor for his performance as a «falling star», a reference to his fall in the build-up to the 3-3 equaliser scored by Balerdi, the moment that sparked Napoli's protests. The poster in the background is for the film «Napoli-Roma 3-3», directed ironically by «Allegra», a play on the surname of Massimiliano Allegri. The drawing is the latest work from Michele dall'Oman, who has taken the high-tension, twist-filled encounter and presented it as a Hollywood-style awards night, complete with golden statuettes, a stage and the announcement of a winner. The piece reflects how the late incident dominated talk around the fixture, with Napoli's players and staff unhappy with the decision that led to Roma's goal. The cartoon is a light-hearted take on a match that Roma are likely to remember for its finish, with Balerdi's goal salvaging a point in a game full of drama and controversy.

Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri's shouted jibe at Gian Piero Gasperini has drawn fire, and the article argues that Roma's owners must now answer for the club. Allegri's remark, "Last year they put the Champions League in their pocket for them. Always them…", was aimed directly at Gasperini, the man chiefly responsible for Roma finishing third in the previous season, a position the article says they earned on merit. The writer says the remark was poisonous and false, and that the media largely kept the accusation quiet, with neither comment nor reaction from the press. Allegri's words, the article argues, questioned the fairness of the league and, above all, insulted Roma. The piece says the reply should come from Trigoria, where the Roma fanbase wants to hear the response and see the Friedkins finally defend the club. It draws a comparison with the night of 31 May 2023 in Budapest, after the Europa League final, when the writer says the ownership failed to protect the club following what he calls the scandalous performance of English referee Taylor. The article recalls that Mourinho spoke up then in defence of the team and its supporters, imitating Totti, while the club was left without protection. The writer argues that Gasperini should not be the one to respond, as that would repeat the mistake made three and a half years ago. Instead, the task belongs to Galantic, the new chief executive who represents the Friedkins in Rome, whose Italian the writer says is clear and easy to understand in public. The article also raises the possibility of a Federal Prosecutor's intervention. It says nobody is asking for a fine or even a suspension, because the issue is the last tournament, which Allegri has described as rigged. The writer adds that Allegri should first apologise to Milan fans, because just five months ago he was the one who handed the Champions League place to Roma, and to Como, placing it in Gasperini's jacket pocket. The article notes that Roma face Cagliari on Tuesday, and the writer expects Gasperini to address Allegri's comments in the build-up to that match. Whether the Procura Federale acts remains open, and the writer says the situation is on standby, with the response from Roma and any federal action still to come.

FIGC commissioner Giovanni Malagò has openly declared his allegiance to Roma, telling Il Messaggero that he will not hide his love for the club and that he has never been asked to take over the presidency by any shareholder or owner. Asked whether he would accept the Roma presidency given his family's ties to the club, he said: "Nessun azionista o proprietario me l'ha mai proposto. Me lo hanno chiesto spesso per strada, i giornalisti e gli amici. Apprezzo il nuovo corso della Roma. Ma ho sempre risposto di essere felice del mio percorso: prima al Coni, oggi in Federazione." Translated: no shareholder or owner has ever proposed it to him, though journalists and friends have often asked him in the street. He said he appreciates the new direction at Roma, but has always said he is happy with his own path, first at the Coni and today at the Federation. Malagò was also asked whether a call from Roma would make him leave the FIGC. He answered: "Assolutamente no. Per me c'è un principio sacro: portare a termine gli impegni assunti e mantenere la parola data." In English: absolutely not, for him there is a sacred principle, to see through the commitments undertaken and keep his word. The answer closes off any prospect of a move to Trigoria while he remains at the head of Italian football's governing body. On Francesco Totti, Malagò described him as one of the people he is most attached to, almost a relative. He declined to comment on Totti's relationship with Roma, but said he understands how difficult it is to accept a purely symbolic role. "In FIGC bisognerebbe proporgli qualcosa che rispecchi le sue capacità. Ci penso, mai dire mai." Translated: the FIGC would need to offer him something that reflects his abilities. I am thinking about it, never say never. Asked why, as a declared Roma supporter, he chose two Lazio icons, Ciro Immobile and Beppe Signori, for the national youth teams, Malagò defended his family history. His father sat on Roma's board and was vice-president three times, contributing to two Scudetti under Dino Viola and Franco Sensi. As a child he followed the team at the stadium. "Non rinnego la storia della mia famiglia... Trovo ipocrita farlo." He pointed to Prince William supporting Aston Villa and Barack Obama openly backing the Chicago Bulls. Many of his closest friends are Lazio fans, as is his partner Elena, but in an institutional role, he said, allegiances give way to impartiality. He called Immobile after he retired, calling him the greatest Italian striker of recent years, and said Signori had gone through a painful and unjust ordeal. "Tutte le grandi bandiere sono un patrimonio del nostro calcio."

Radio pundits on Radio Radio have weighed in on Roma's selection dilemmas ahead of their upcoming fixture against Napoli, with former player Pruzzo and commentator Carina among those offering views. Orsi said Napoli are a strong side despite appearing to struggle, and that Roma must take advantage while staying fully focused. He said he would not give up on Lulli and De Roon, and that De Roon should have a fixed place because he best interprets his role. If Cristante does not play today, he will play on Wednesday, because De Roon cannot play seven matches in a row. Orsi added that Cristante playing in attack raises some doubts about his mobility, though there are no problems with his tactical intelligence. Pruzzo said: "Lulli deserves the renewal. Mora is not ready: he should show important signs, given what was paid for him. However, the season deserves a lot of attention." Carina described a battle for a place between Cristante and Mora. He noted that Gasperini has kept Trigoria closed off and has not spoken publicly, which he attributed to the coach having already talked a lot, adding that Gasperini prefers to speak when the team loses rather than when it wins. Carina said Lulli is preferred to Molina on the flank and that Lulli will be tied down until 2031, having still been under a youth contract. He said: "I expect Castro close to Malen, and perhaps the 3-5-2, because you can't play with two strikers? However, it's my opinion." Sabatini said Napoli have withdrawn from the race for the top places, with their aim now a top-four finish, and that they face a side with more unavailable players than usual for the first time. He said that if Napoli were to lose, the situation would be very tense. For Roma, he added, a non-win would still be interesting given the emergency. He said there is more pressure on Napoli. Amterà said he was surprised that Gasperini did not hold his press conference, adding: "I don't know if there is a reason. But he is someone who has always spoken before the big matches."

Giovanni Malagò, commissioner and president-designate of the Italian football federation (FIGC) and a declared Roma supporter, has said no shareholder or owner of the club has ever proposed him the Roma presidency, although he has often been asked about it by journalists and friends. Speaking in a long interview with Il Messaggero, he said he appreciates the new direction at Roma, but has always said he is happy with his career path: first at the Coni, and today at the Federation. Asked whether he would leave the FIGC if Roma called, Malagò was unequivocal: "Assolutely not. For me there is a sacred principle: fulfilling the commitments you have taken on and keeping your word." Asked whether he had considered a role for Francesco Totti with the national team, he said Totti is "one of the people I am most attached to, almost a family member." He declined to comment on Totti's relationship with Roma, but said he understands how difficult it is to accept a purely symbolic role, adding that the FIGC would have to offer him something that reflects his abilities. "I'll think about it, never say never." On his choice of two Lazio symbols, Ciro Immobile and Beppe Signori, for the youth national teams, Malagò said he does not deny his family's history. His father was a board member and then three times vice-president of Roma, contributing to two Serie A titles under Dino Viola and Franco Sensi. "As a child I followed him to the stadium: I don't see why I should hide my faith. I find it hypocritical to do so." He pointed to Prince William supporting Aston Villa in England and Barack Obama openly declaring his passion for the Chicago Bulls in the United States. He said many of his closest friends are Lazio fans, as is his partner Elena, but that when he takes on an institutional role, loyalties give way to impartiality. "I called Immobile as soon as he stopped playing: I consider him the greatest Italian striker of recent years. Signori went through a painful and unjust ordeal. All the great one-club legends are a heritage of our football."

A column revisits the players Roma linked with last summer and how they have fared since, with the author noting that a winger Gasperini wanted is expected to arrive in January. The piece argues that some of those former targets are now tied down to new contracts and out of reach, making a return unlikely. Jamie Leweling was the most recent name to be discussed before he reportedly pulled back at the end of August, after a couple of weeks of uncertainty that affected his start to the season at Stuttgart, currently fourteenth. He has made only 2 starts in 6 Bundesliga matches, but has regained the trust of Sebastian Hoeness after the international break. In the Champions League he has started 2 of 3 games and scored in the last round at Atlético Madrid. His performances hover around the level of acceptable. Crysencio Summerville chose the Saudi route on 21 July, leaving Roma to sign for 17.3 million euros a season including bonuses. He had been one of Gasperini's favourites. He has 3 goals and 3 assists for Al Hilal in the Saudi league, and was sent off in his only appearance in the Champions League Elite. The author argues Middle Eastern football is not a good yardstick for judging players who choose money over the centre of the sporting world. Endrick has had a limited start to 2026-27. He came on in the last half hour against Roma for Real Madrid under Mourinho and started once, last weekend against Sevilla, before returning to the bench midweek in the Champions League. In total he has played 75 minutes in the league across 2 appearances and 35 minutes in Europe across 2 appearances. Mason Greenwood, rehabilitated at Marseille, has joined Fenerbahçe on a deal worth 11.5 million euros net, including bonuses. He has 4 goals and 2 assists in 8 Süper Lig games, and in the Champions League he scored 1 goal against Slavia Prague and set up 1 against Roma. The author says his quality is not in question, but his choice is. Malik Fofana, whose price was 35 million euros with wages of 3.5 million euros a season including bonuses, has yet to start for Sunderland and has no goals or assists in 120 minutes. The author judges the praise that surrounded him when Roma enquired to have been unjustified. Antonio Nusa is a regular starter at Leipzig, with 9 appearances of 80 minutes each, 6 of 6 in the Bundesliga with 3 goals and 3 assists, and 3 of 3 in the Champions League. The author finds it surprising that English and Spanish clubs have not invested, given the reported 55-60 million euro asking price, while noting he has been inconsistent, with 5 appearances of 12 minutes each. Alejandro Garnacho is struggling to regain form. Emery has described the physical gap with his teammates as still too wide. He has played 35 minutes in 3 Premier League matches and 33 minutes in 2 Champions League games. Gabriel Martinelli was offered to both Roma and Napoli in July and August at around 7 million euros a season plus bonuses. Both clubs considered him without committing. Al Hilal then offered 23 million euros a year. He has 5 goals in 5 league matches and 2 appearances in the Champions League Elite, and the author has no regrets about the figures involved.

Former Roma striker Ciccio Graziani has said Donyell Malen would be his choice over Højlund, speaking to Romanews.eu on the eve of Napoli-Roma at the Maradona. Asked which of the two he would sign as a sporting director, Graziani said: "Malen without thinking twice. Hojlund I like a lot, and sometimes he seems to me like a 'little Lukaku' the way he runs the attack and the hold-up play he takes, and he also has a great sense of goal; but Malen is my ideal striker, for the way he attacks space, his dribbling, the acceleration he has in the last twenty metres, and because he can roam across the whole front line." The match carries weight for both sides. Graziani noted that a win would mean a fresh start for Napoli after their Champions League success, while for Roma it would mean continuing to push for the top. He said Napoli's recent form had been shaky, pointing to a defeat at Venice that had left them on the brink, before they managed a tricky cup game against Bodø Glimt. He added that this showed the team wanted to bounce back and that its senior players had not given up on Allegri. On Roma, Graziani said: "Both sides risk something, as every time teams of this level meet. Roma are strong thanks to their team identity, which goes beyond the names Gasperini can pick." Asked whether injuries had left Gasperini's squad stretched, Graziani said: "I'm very sorry for Pellegrini, it seemed the injury was less serious. That said, Cristante's return is fundamental, while we wait for Dybala too, then Svilar and Koné in chronological order. Back to the word I used before: identity. Roma have it, and that makes them dangerous even with the forced rotations the coach has to resort to." Graziani also compared the two coaches. He said: "Allegri has a trophy cabinet that speaks for him and a past at the highest level, between scudetti and Champions League finals. Gasperini is someone who shapes teams around his principles of play, and when you have to face him you must be careful both with the collective identity and with the form of each individual, because with him players improve, as we have seen for years. Allegri we could call a 'manager of minds', since he has often governed dressing rooms full of great players; Gasperini instead produces ideas, which the players then turn into performances. It is a clash between two coaches whom the facts speak for."

Former Roma winger Max Tonetto has said a Roma centenary without Francesco Totti, Bruno Conti and Daniele De Rossi would not be a true centenary, as the club's 100th anniversary approaches in 2027. Speaking to Roberta Pedrelli on RadioBruno, Tonetto backed a possible return for Totti in a club role. "I hope so, a centenary without players like Totti, Bruno Conti and De Rossi is not a centenary of Roma. The history of Roma is those three. They were absolute legends, and seeing Francesco in the stands gives me hope for his return." The interview also touched on the recent exchange between Totti and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, with Pedrelli recalling the invitation to organise a new dinner. Pedrelli then asked whether the club should keep the number 10 shirt unassigned or give it to a player such as Paulo Dybala. Tonetto said: "I don't consider it such an important issue. Whatever decision is taken will not erase what Totti has done for Roma, but keeping it available would be a dream for a future Roman and Roma fan who longs to wear such an important shirt." The conversation then turned to Niccolò Pisilli, who wore the captain's armband on Tuesday in the Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava. The moment carried strong symbolism for a player who came through Roma's youth sector. Asked about the emotion of that occasion, Tonetto said: "I am a romantic, I love these things, and seeing scenes like these is still the essence of football." Finally, responding to a question from Verdenelli, Tonetto reflected on his own time at Roma, during which he won three trophies without lifting the Scudetto. "Those three trophies are a fine haul, but there were also three second-place finishes. In one of them Inter were truly much stronger, while in the other two we fought until the very end. To win, you have to keep fighting until the end, and in those years, despite a short squad, we achieved a lot. If you fight every year, sooner or later the victory comes."

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.

Filippo Biafora of Radio Manà Manà said the renewal of Marco Lulli's contract is done, with the defender set to sign a deal running until 2031 with a rising salary. Biafora said he had no confirmation on the operation involving Lorenzo Pellegrini, who for the moment will be out for a couple of months. Regardless of that situation, he said, Gasperini has strongly asked for investment in January. Francesco Balzani of Tele Radio Stereo said he expected Mora not to start. He said Cristante was awaited for a decision the previous day, and that Cristante had said he could start, with the club to assess how his minutes are managed because he cannot play the whole match. Balzani recalled that Gasperini played Cristante as a high forward against Allegri's Milan last year and could repeat it. He expects Cristante to start and Mora to come on if Roma need more technical quality, adding that Gasperini does not consider pairing the two strikers. Balzani said that starting Mora would upset the balance against a strong side in Naples, and that other moves would be forced. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said: "The injury to Pellegrini, but it is not that now every injury means going back to the market. What happens when you get the starters back? They should have foreseen that Gasperini's training was not what Roma were used to. Roma now train with a capital 'A', before it was not like this, but the fault certainly does not lie with the market." Roberto Pruzzo, also of Radio Radio, said: "We need to understand what role Castro can play, who at this moment can be the alternative. Mora seems too far behind to me. We must hope Malen does not catch a cold, otherwise it becomes tough. Above all in managing matches: we must make sure we reach January still there, and then sign players on the market." Lorenzo Pes of TeleradioStereo said that in June a discussion had opened about the length of Pellegrini's contract, especially on how such fragile players can lead to a different squad make-up. Dybala, Pellegrini and Koné often stop, and with the first two you have to reckon. He said Roma travel to Napoli with 17 outfield players, which is very few. Pes said Gasperini wanted to keep this squad, believing it would improve this season, and had strongly wanted to keep Dybala and Pellegrini.

Former Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has offered his views on the current squad, praising Donyell Malen while placing Mile Svilar short of Europe's elite goalkeepers. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the Dutchman gave his assessment of the club's forwards and goalkeeper. Stekelenburg was full of praise for Malen, who he said has quickly become a key figure. He said: "Bobby is very fast and always plays on the edge of the offside trap." Asked about the pairing with Paulo Dybala, he added: "I immediately thought they could be a good partnership. Malen is extremely valuable for Roma." His comments on Svilar were more cautious. He said: "He is doing very well, but among the top five in Europe, no, not yet. He still has to keep improving to get there."

Former Roma defender Antonio Carlos Zago has said Roma would have been certain winners against Napoli had the match been played at the Stadio Olimpico. Speaking to Il Tempo ahead of the trip to the Stadio Maradona, he said: "If the match had been at the Olimpico, I would have told you Roma would win 100%. At the Maradona it will be a bit more difficult, as Napoli will do everything to get out of this difficult situation. For them it could be the match that turns things around." Zago praised head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who he said has brought a winning mentality to the club. He said: "Gasperini works tremendously hard and bases his game on intensity and triangular passing. I consider him one of the three best coaches of recent years." Zago also judged Roma's summer transfer business to have been excellent. Asked whether Gasperini should keep trusting Mora even in Naples, Zago replied: "I believe Mora can be the ideal replacement for Dybala. He has started well, showing he is a strong player." On Endrick, Zago said: "He still has to fully prove his value and find his ideal role on the pitch. He would be useful to Roma, and I have no doubt he would grow a lot working with Gasperini."

Former Roma forward Daniel Fonseca says Roma can challenge Inter for the Serie A title, and that Donyell Malen is "a force of nature". Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fonseca, who lives in Rio de Janeiro, will split his attention between Napoli and Roma when the two meet at the Maradona tomorrow, 24 October, and he will watch the match from home. He called it a clash between two strong sides and said Gasperini has stamped his mark on Roma. "Roma are doing very well," he said. Fonseca said the match matters to both teams. "Roma would keep gaining confidence and conviction, which are very important things. For Napoli, without a win, things would start to get complicated." He added that playing Napoli at the Maradona is never easy and that Allegri always finds a way to come up with something. Fonseca also looked back on his own move from Napoli to Roma in 1994. Juventus and Milan wanted him, but he turned down Moggi. Inter also made an approach, but their offer included two players, and by then Juventus had signed Boksic. That left Franco Sensi as the only club with the money. Fonseca described the Roman fans as incredible, saying the club had always finished tenth before they qualified for European competition. On Malen, Fonseca said: "Difficult to say. He is incredible, a force of nature, nobody expected something like this." He added: "In general, strong players are always difficult to mark, because if you try to block them with a double team or a preventive marking, you end up freeing up another player." Asked whether Gasperini will press high at Napoli, he said: "He is a coach who has always played with great courage, I don't think he wants to change his identity. He will go out to win, as is right. After all, if you want to win the scudetto at Napoli, you have to go and bring home a full haul." On Roma's title hopes, he said: "Yes, they can be a nuisance to Inter right to the end. The giallorossi have embarked on this path, they are in confidence and have the quality to go all the way."

Former Roma midfielder Angelo Di Livio, speaking to Retesport, said he likes the idea of playing Wesley further forward against Napoli, with Molina dropping deeper on the same flank. Di Livio believes Gasperini will be missing two important players, including Dybala, and he questioned Lorenzo Pellegrini's latest injury, asking what fault the player had for having to stop again. Di Livio said Cristante is not well and does not think he can start. He expects Gasperini to have prepared alternative plans in midfield to cover the absences. The attacking absences of Pellegrini and Dybala in the final third are what make the idea of Wesley further up the pitch appealing to him. Di Livio expects Evan Lulli...

Roma's radio pundits are debating how Gian Piero Gasperini should line up against Napoli, with Mora, Soulé, Malen and Castro at the centre of the discussion. Rete Sport's David Rossi backed keeping Mora in the side alongside Soulé and Malen, arguing that Mora deserves more consecutive games to gain confidence and to win over the Roma crowd, and that playing away from home would ease the pressure on him. He also suggested a more natural role for Mora than the one Gasperini gave Pellegrini against Slovan, when Pellegrini was deployed on the right, a position that is not his. Rossi said: "Contro il Napoli o metti dentro tutti i centrocampisti, con uno tra Pisilli e Cristante alto sulla trequarti, oppure confermi Mora con Soulè e Malen, che è la cosa che farei io." Fabio Petruzzi, also on Rete Sport, proposed Rensch in front of Spinazzola with Wesley on the left, and expected Gasperini to keep faith with Mora but not to rule out Malen and Castro up front together. Tiziano Moroni was more critical, saying Mora had been insufficient in the last match and had created nothing, while noting he is only 19 and urging patience with Gasperini. Gianluca Piacentini raised the idea of Wesley pushed forward in the emergency, but said he would go for the classic line-up against Napoli, with Mora and Soulé behind Malen. He said: "Mora è arrivato da due mesi e per questo gli darei un po' di tempo. Facciamogli fare dieci partite consecutive." He added: "Però se ogni volta deve giocare con questo mattone addosso, che al primo errore viene fustigato, diventa dura…" On Tele Radio Stereo, Mario Corsi said Mora should be given time despite criticism, pointing out that Diomande is also 19. Francesca Ferrazza argued that Roma are not a side in difficulty, that the atmosphere in the stadium is the best it has been, and that Champions League matches drain energy but are tests of strength. Lorenzo Pes reported that Pellegrini, even with a mild injury, will not return before the break, and that what had filtered out suggested a month out with a more significant tear in the same spot where he had surgery. He said Gasperini must hope to recover Dybala soon, with recent reports pointing to an attempt for Udinese, and suggested Cristante move forward with Pisilli in midfield. Alessio Nardo joked: "Il giorno in cui la Roma acquisterà l'esterno sinistro titolare di piede destro faremo una festa in città, perchè finalmente sfateremo un tabù. Sono due anni che cerchiamo questo giocatore senza riuscire a trovarlo…" Piero Torri said Saturday's match against Napoli would be far from easy, and that Cristante was unlikely to start, though he could come on during the game in either the No.10 role or midfield. Roberto Pruzzo said he did not expect Mora to play against Napoli, suggested Castro could partner Malen, and believed Pisilli could operate in a dual role. Nando Orsi argued that Mora must play whenever he has the chance, otherwise he never gets the opportunity to settle in and understand the system. He said: "L'esborso economico deve essere confermato, e quando c'è la possibilità deve giocare." On Castro, he said: "Pensavo a Castro: poverino, non giocherà mai." He noted that Castro has been a starter for three or four matches this season, since Malen usually starts, and that coming on from the bench is very different from starting from the first minute.

Roma responded strongly to their defeat to Real Madrid, winning two matches, scoring six goals and conceding none, and Lele Adani has praised the head coach Gian Piero Gasperini for the club's mental strength. Speaking on "Viva el Futbol", Adani said: "Io sono totalmente un tifoso di Gasp. La Roma la vedo molto credibile nelle difficoltà. La partita contro il Real poteva portare degli strascichi e la partita contro il Genoa, in altre situazioni, a Roma quante volte ha portato a un passo falso?" The Giallorossi got up immediately after the Real Madrid defeat, which had hit hard, particularly mentally. The response shows a team that believes in its own ability and can overcome its toughest moments, and Adani sees the hand of Gasperini in it. The new mentality, the piece suggests, means not being knocked down by a fall but getting back up without losing certainty. That growth has not gone unnoticed by pundits. Adani's view is echoed by Antonio Cassano, who looked back to 2007, when he faced Genoa coached by Gasperini. Cassano said: "Quando giocavo contro il Genoa, nel 2007, Gasperini era già questo. Nessuno se n'è accorto, nessuno lo ha mai detto. Ma si guardava solo ai risultati. Fece grandi risultati, arrivò in Europa League con quella squadra. Uomo contro uomo a tutto campo, lo fa da 20 anni. Se ne sono accorti adesso che è un rivoluzionario". For the former striker, Gasperini did not become a revolutionary only now; he was already one back then, though few noticed.

Roma's 4-0 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava has inspired a new cartoon from reader Michele dall'Oman, who again used his trademark irony. The drawing features the Romanews.eu mascot ticking items off a Champions League to-do list. The first task is to face Real Madrid with their heads held high, a nod to Gian Piero Gasperini's side and their performance against the Spanish club, despite a 4-3 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico. The second item revisits a long-standing grievance: avenging Roma's elimination from the Europa League by Slovan Bratislava on 25 August 2011. The cartoon treats that unfinished business as a score finally being settled, a revenge Roma fans had been waiting fifteen years for. The cartoon's concluding line ties the two moments together, reflecting the spirit of the drawing as a whole. The punchline reads: "Siamo lenti a fare le 'cose' perché ci piace farle per benino!!!" In English: "We are slow to do 'things' because we like doing them properly!!!" The cartoon builds on Roma's European journey so far, pairing the Real Madrid display with the win over Slovan Bratislava to make a lighthearted point about the club's approach in Europe.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo has said the club must sign a striker in January and named Ademola Lookman as the man to target, on a six-month loan. Pruzzo was one of several Roman radio pundits giving their views on Gasperini's side after a run of two matches that followed a heavy defeat to Real Madrid. The debate centred on the forward line. Pruzzo said Castro does not play when Malen is fit, and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance. He said Mora is not ready for this stage. Ugo Trani, of Tele Radio Stereo 92,7 and Te la do io Tokyo, also called for signings in January, saying two attackers are needed. He said the club can spend in January, noting that 30 million euros was ready for Leweling on the last day of August. Trani suggested moving Mancini into midfield as one option, while adding that Gasperini does not want to change the team's shape and is right not to. Trani said Lulli can play at Napoli and that Mora has not received many passes, so he would not load him with responsibility. He added that Koné is feeling better and Cristante has returned, which he called two good pieces of news, because de Roon is short of oxygen. Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo 92,7 said Gasperini is keeping his selections very tight, with only Soulé and Mora behind Malen for the Napoli game. On the injuries to Dybala and Pellegrini, Pes said: "I don't see any exaggeration from Gasperini in how he has used them. Pellegrini starts two games, he hasn't played four out of four, there has been a gradual approach." He added: "Pellegrini seems to me a player prone to injuries, he always has two or three a season. Now he is 30, he is entering the final phase of his career, and the problems get worse. He and Dybala are very predisposed to this kind of injury." Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà Sport Roma said: "Mora was less good than the others yesterday, but I still want to wait for him, he is young and has only just arrived. He is struggling but I don't want to be harsh. Last night he had a good chance and didn't take it. The squad is short and that was known." He praised Ghilardi, saying he has a good, resistant and fast run.

Roma's pundits on Rome's radio stations were largely positive about the club's recent results, but they were divided over Mora and the January market. Roberto Pruzzo, speaking on Radio Radio, said: 'Mora is absolutely not ready for this stage, and Roma must sign Lookman. Do a six-month loan.' He also said Castro does not play when Malen is fit and that Mora did not take advantage of his chance, adding that a striker is needed in January. Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo was more worried: 'I said Mora had to play to get used to his teammates, but there is a Mora problem. Do you remember Bojan Krkic? I would not want him to suffer the same fate.' Corsi said Mora was an embarrassment in front of goal, had shot at a photographer and had got everything wrong on Sunday, including his passing. The debate followed a run of matches after the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said Roma were fortunate to face Genoa and Slovan Bratislava afterwards, as they could restore their mental focus, and that Roma had taken full advantage. He described Slovan as a side who do not belong in the Champions League, suggesting they were better suited to the Europa League or Conference League. Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport argued that Roma make their opponents look weak: 'Genoa were weak, Slovan are weak, they are all weak... even Real Madrid were weak until ten minutes from the end. I would start saying Roma are strong.' Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said he could hardly recall a smaller side worse than Slovan Bratislava, adding that they could not keep the ball for more than three seconds. David Rossi of Rete Sport praised the defence under Gian Piero Gasperini: 'What impresses me is that the defenders have improved most with Gasperini. Ghilardi started two matches, against Lecce and against Slovan, and I remember him more for what he does in attack than in defence. Ghilardi is a starter now. Hermoso, we did not know who to pin it on, and now he is a leader. Balerdi arrived while Marseille fans were celebrating, and here he is dominant. N'Dicka has improved a lot... Roma have a back line that I believe is the strongest in Italy.' Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport noted that Roma had rotated five starters in defence over the last two matches while conceding no goals. He said the comparison between Malen and Castro and Ferguson and Dovbyk was harsh. Pes argued that Gasperini had not overused Pellegrini, who had started two matches, and said Pellegrini was prone to injury, which he had always been. Pellegrini is now 30, Pes said, and the problems are getting worse. Checco Oddo Casano said Roma should consider the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini in June, after seeing how many matches they had played. The radio hosts agreed that a striker is needed, and Pruzzo said he would name the player to be signed in January. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport said he was supporting Manchester United against Como that evening, because a defeat for the English side would leave Roma with a final chance. He also said Roma had regrets about Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, where a result was possible, and warned that Roma could arrive at the third-last match ranked behind others in the table.

Former Roma striker Roberto Pruzzo has criticised Mora's display and called for the club to consider another attacker, after Roma's recent wins over Genoa and Slovan Bratislava. Speaking on Radio Radio, Pruzzo said the two games after the Real Madrid match had been needed because they gave the squad game time and satisfaction. He added that the strikers should be getting more minutes in these fixtures, and that Castro does not play. Pruzzo said: "Peccato che gli attaccanti, in queste gare, siano quelli che dovrebbero avere più spazio: Castro non gioca. Mi dispiace che Castro non giochi mai. Mora non ha approfittato dell'occasione, non è pronto per questo palcoscenico. Mi sembra sia il momento di pensare a un altro attaccante." Roma's win was described by Orsi on Radio Radio as calm and simple, with the only sour note being the injury to Pellegrini. Orsi said the game had few highlights, was too easy and too simple, and that Slovan are not much. He added: "Vittoria tranquilla e semplice. L'unica nota stonata è l'infortunio di Pellegrini. È stata una partita con pochi spunti, troppo facile e troppo semplice. Bene così: si è faticato poco, lo Slovan è poca roba. La Roma ha fatto la partita giusta, la partita che doveva fare." Carina was surprised that a side like Slovan could take part in the Champions League, saying Roma could have scored eight goals. He said Molina had not played a great game and seemed off form, and that Mora had not produced a sufficient performance, appearing to want to do too much. Carina said: "È un mistero come possa partecipare alla Champions una squadra come lo Slovan. La Roma poteva fare otto gol in un contesto del genere. Molina non fa una grandissima partita, mi è sembrato come se qualcosa non girasse al meglio. Mora non ha fatto una gara sufficiente: dà l'idea di voler sempre strafare. È bravo, ma deve giocare più semplice. Ghilardi fa una partita eccezionale. Castro, quando capiterà l'occasione, giocherà: non è un problema." Mattioli said Slovan were more Conference League material than Champions League, and that Roma had been fortunate to face manageable sides like Genoa and Slovan to regain their mental focus. In midfield, Pes told TeleRadioStereo that De Roon and Cristante have the same characteristics and he does not think they can play together. He said De Roon can handle a game from the bench, having played every match so far. Pes said: "De Roon e Cristante hanno caratteristiche uguali, non penso possano giocare insieme. De Roon una gara dalla panchina può farla, ne ha giocate tutte fino ad ora. Per me Cristante–Pisilli è la coppia giusta. Mi sembra fosse anche la coppia dell'anno scorso, perché Koné era infortunato. Se utilizzi Mora come elemento offensivo hai un cambio con Castro, e per me serve: non puoi iniziare con tutti i centrocampisti e poi non avere cambi. Se Cristante è a disposizione, inizi con Pisilli."

Former Roma striker Antonio Cassano has criticised the quality of Serie A and singled out Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen in his latest appearance on Viva el Futbol. Cassano said: "With this Serie A, if I lose two kilos and play in flip-flops I make the difference. And if Nicola Ventola and I played up front together, we would do better than everyone else." He went on to back his own talent, saying: "I was a phenomenon. I played with ten kilos of excess weight, I didn't train, I decided what I wanted to do with my life." Cassano also turned his attention to two current Roma forwards. He said: "Dybala goes to a cylinder and falls over, Malen after eight years on the bench between Dortmund and Aston Villa is the top scorer." The comments are likely to stir debate among Roma supporters, given the contrast Cassano drew between the two attackers. José Mourinho was among the sharpest targets of his criticism, a week after his Real Madrid side beat Gasperini's Roma 4-3 at the Olimpico. Cassano said: "He is finished, he is washed up. He should stop coaching. It has been like this for more than ten years." On the Portuguese's style of play, he added: "A team of phenomena and he makes them play in an unworthy way, outside all logic. I would be ashamed in his place." He continued: "Old football, old football, without ideas. All he has left is the chatter." Cassano also suggested that Mourinho's continued prominence at the top of international football is helped by his relationship with agent Jorge Mendes: "He has the luck of having the best agent in the world, who if he wants will find him a place even on the Moon." In contrast, Cassano praised Gian Piero Gasperini, distinguishing the Roma head coach's work from that of the managers he criticised. The praise fits with his repeated call for proactive, attacking football.

Former Slovakia and Napoli coach Francesco Calzona has spoken to Il Messaggero ahead of Roma's clash with Slovan, saying Roma are much stronger than their opponents but must remain careful. Slovan have won the Slovak title for eight consecutive years, Calzona said, though they have struggled to reach the group stage after qualifying rounds when they face European opposition. He added that the club has considerable potential, pointing to a recent interview in which their president said he wanted to establish the club in European competition, and said it will take time. Slovan have begun rejuvenating their squad, bringing in local talent. Calzona also looked ahead to Saturday's Napoli-Roma fixture, which he believes could be a crossroads for Napoli given the gap in the table. "If they want to get back up, they cannot afford to lose. Ten points would start to be really many, even though there would still be more than 30 games to play, because you can make up ground on one team but it becomes difficult when there are two or three." On Roma, he was confident of a season at the top whatever the final result. "It is a very strong team, it always manages to play with incredible intensity. Watching Roma entertains me, they have a European style of play." Asked which Roma player he would most like to coach, Calzona said the easy answer would be Malen or Dybala, but he chose Koné. "What a player... He is of a very high level, he has everything you could ask of a midfielder." Told that Koné does not score often, he replied: "You will see that Gasperini will manage to get him scoring too."

Roman radio pundits have spelled out what Roma need from Thursday's Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava, with most agreeing that a heavy win is required. Lorenzo Pes of Teleradiostereo said Pellegrini will start the match from the first minute, alongside Soulé, and described the opponent as modest, adding that a comfortable victory would be important for goal difference and that a goalfest is needed. He also said there will be absences but that Roma have the quality to score many goals. Luigi Ferrajolo of Radio Radio said Roma must play the way they know how and not think about Napoli. He praised Gasperini for fielding the best available eleven and said: "Deve giocare per vincere, il campionato verrà dopo. E' troppo presto per snobbare l'Europa e pensare solo al campionato. E' un'occasione per prendere i tre punti." He added that Pellegrini played a good game against Como and needs to regain serenity and condition, calling tonight the ideal match to get him back on track. Alessandro Vocalelli of Radio Radio was far more critical of Pellegrini, saying he is a good player and nothing more and one of the most overrated players of recent years. He said: "Si è ritrovato ad essere il capitano solo per il momento storico." He also said Pellegrini lacks the pace to play in midfield and the creativity to play as a trequartista. Francesco Balzani of Teleradiostereo, citing sporting director D'Amico, said Roma need to return to the market in January. He argued that two good signings, even on loan, would allow Roma to fight for the Scudetto this season, saying: "La distanza non è siderale, però ti mancano 2/3 pezzi." He said the calendar is not impossible apart from Paris and that the points needed for the playoffs are very achievable, but added that the problem is paying for it in the league. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio Mattino warned that Roma must be careful because Slovan are stronger than Genoa, while noting Gasperini's team has shown it can do well even with rotation. Piero Torri of Radio Manà Manà said 10 points are likely needed to reach the playoffs, noting that last year the last two teams qualified with 9, and that winning tomorrow is fundamental. Pes also said it is impossible for Totti to stay out of the centenary celebrations, while finding it difficult to see him become a director.

Former Roma forward Stefano Okaka has recalled his start against Slovan Bratislava in the 2011 Europa League play-off, when he was picked ahead of Francesco Totti, and has spoken warmly about Roma's current coach Gian Piero Gasperini. Fifteen years ago Roma were knocked out of the Europa League play-offs by Slovan Bratislava, and the Slovak side return to the Stadio Olimpico tonight to play in the Champions League. Okaka told Il Messaggero that he remembers little of the night in Bratislava. He was surprised when the coach told him he would start in place of Totti, who he believes was probably carrying a physical problem at the time. "Totti is Roma and is history, everything else doesn't matter," he said. Okaka came on as a substitute in the return leg, but Roma could not win the game to overturn the defeat in the first leg. Asked about the current side, Okaka said he likes this Roma a great deal and hopes that with Gasperini the club can aim for something important. "He has every chance to compete," he added. He described Gasperini as a champion of his profession: "Luckily Roma have him. He manages to bring out the best in every team and in individual players." Comparing the two eras, Okaka said football was different then. "We had phenomenal players, of a different level. I think of Totti, who was a phenomenon, a true champion. I think of De Rossi, a real champion, and Cassano too. I also found some in the national team, Buffon and Pirlo to name a couple."

Roma face Slovan Bratislava tonight in a match the Radio Manà Manà Sport commentator Rossomando described as fundamental, with absences once again affecting the squad. The main bad news concerns Paulo Dybala, who, as Gian Piero Gasperini announced at his press conference, is injured and may not return until after the November international break. Rossomando said Dybala's body has forced him to stop from time to time: "Purtroppo ogni tanto deve fermarsi, questo non è colpa di nessuno ma è proprio il suo corpo." He added that Roma must accept this, as it has been a feature of the forward's career. Pundits on RadioBrunoRomafm also weighed in on the Slovan fixture. Roberta Pedrelli said three points were mandatory and she expected to see Mora and Ghilardi in the side, with Pellegrini returning to goal-scoring form. Luca Ferri said only a win mattered regardless of the line-up, noting Roma had players clearly superior to Slovan's, and expected his side to try to wrap up the game in the first half. Andrea Verdenelli suggested Mario Hermoso could play as a deep-lying midfield regista, as the most technical defender Roma have. Santoro, also speaking on Radio Manà Manà Sport, said it was a shame because Dybala had been playing very well. He said: "Peccato perchè Dybala stava giocando molto bene. Questa purtroppo con Paulo è una prassi perchè quando gioca mette anche forza e intensità però poi ogni tanto si ferma per qualche problema fisico." Santoro's comments mirror Rossomando's, pointing to a recurring pattern in which the Argentine's intensity on the pitch is regularly followed by spells on the sidelines for physical problems.

Former Atalanta forward Aleksandar Pesic, now at Fatih Karagumruk, has described Gian Piero Gasperini as the best coach he has ever worked with, saying he is unmatched. Speaking to MeridianSport, Pesic placed the Roma head coach first in his career rankings. Pesic, a Serbian striker who played for Atalanta in the 2016-17 season, ranked Gasperini above the other coaches he has played under. He said: "He is the number one, with Farioli right after him. I have been coached by many great coaches, such as Diaz, Slaven Bilic, Farioli and Casanova, but even today I tell everyone that Gasperini is unmatched. It is possible that Farioli could surpass him in terms of results, but Gian Piero remains the number one." Pesic also gave his view on the Serie A title race. He predicted a Roma triumph, and his comments came as he discussed his own football allegiances in Italy. He said: "I think Roma will win the Scudetto. My instinct has rarely betrayed me. At Ferencvaros nobody believed me when I said we would not win the league, and in fact we finished second. Now they say Roma cannot compete with Inter, but I think differently. Gasperini deserves to win the title." Pesic, who supports Lazio because of Siniša Mihajlovic and that legendary generation, admitted a change of heart: "For the first time I would like Roma to win, purely for Gasperini."

Roma's radio debate on the capital's stations centred on the coming Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava, with several pundits questioning the coach's choices in defence and attack. David Rossi of Rete Sport wondered what Ghilardi had done to Gasperini, arguing that Roma bought Koulierakis for 18 million and then also signed Balerdi, the sixth centre-back, which suggested Gasperini had little faith in Ghilardi. Rossi said: "Domani contro lo Slovan devi vincere assolutamente, e per questo giocherà la squadra migliore possibile. Koulierakis mi sembra uno che deve giocare al centro, mi sembra uno alla Smalling, alto, grosso, che non sa impostare così bene. Fra l'altro non mi sembra nemmeno uno così freddo quando va sotto pressione. Mi chiedo: ma cosa gli ha fatto Ghilardi a Gasperini? Quando la Roma compra Koulierakis e lo paga 18 milioni, in quel momento era il quinto centrale. E non contenta prende anche il sesto, che è Balerdi, e ti viene da pensare "pensa quanto gli fa schifo Ghilardi se deve prendere il sesto centrale che fa il braccetto di destra"…" The defence was not the only talking point. Roberto Pruzzo of Radio Radio said Mora was too far behind in the pecking order and that Roma should look for a solution in January, adding: "Su Mora io a gennaio ci penserei a trovargli una soluzione, non mi sembra che sia il tempo per avere una prospettiva…secondo me è troppo indietro. Quando lo fa entrare, gioca un tempo, quando lo gioca. Magari trovi una soluzione più fisica. E a centrocampo andava fatto uno sforzo, perchè De Roon da solo non può bastare…" Pruzzo also backed Castro to play alongside Malen, saying: "Io a suo tempo dissi che Castro poteva essere il Muriel di Gasperini e sono stato bocciato totalmente perchè ha caratteristiche diverse. Io lo penso tutt'ora che possa interagire insieme a Malen, tenuto conto della necessità di avere una soluzione diversa." Gianluca Piacentini of Rete Sport liked the idea of a double centre-forward and suggested Lulli may have earned a starting place. He said the win over Genoa, where the reserves played, had reassured him, and that Roma had needed only 20-25 minutes to secure Saturday's result. Piacentini added: "Se giochi quei 70 minuti che hai fatto contro il Real Madrid, nel campionato italiano possono bastare per molte squadre…" Fabio Petruzzi of Rete Sport admitted he had initially thought Gasperini made too many changes, but then praised the decision, saying: "Inizialmente non ero d'accordo con tutti quei cambi fatti da Gasperini, per me erano troppi, ma poi invece applausi a scena aperta: hai portato a casa i tre punti e hai risparmiato 6-7 giocatori titolari." He also highlighted Soulé's ability to hold the ball near the touchline and said Koulierakis was still far behind in Gasperini's game. In the Champions League, Ilario Di Giovambattista of Radio Radio said the young Roma side had surprised him, adding that the team had recovered from the Champions League setback while missing seven players. He put forward the theory that Roma must leave the Champions League to fight for the title. Francesca Ferrazza of Tele Radio Stereo said the competition demands dignity, but that Roma must think about the league, adding: "Anche a costo di sacrificare la Champions…" Lorenzo Pes of Tele Radio Stereo said Pellegrini had done well against Genoa, that he could not go much further at 30, and that Wesley was expected back, with Ndicka possibly rested. Alessio Nardo of Tele Radio Stereo said Pellegrini, not yet at 100 per cent, could give a dignified display, noting that with only De Roon and Pisilli in midfield he could be useful as a substitute. On the league, Mario Corsi of Tele Radio Stereo predicted that Roma would finish first or second, three or four points behind Inter, crediting Gasperini as the key factor, and said he would be disappointed by anything less than second. Nando Orsi of Radio Radio said Roma had no excuses and must win at Napoli, while Mario Mattioli of Radio Radio said the club should think about January signings, pointing to the need for a midfielder and a left winger. Piero Torri of Manà Manà Sport expected Malen to start with Castro on the bench, and said the Slovan match would require goals as well as a win, since goal difference could decide qualification.

Piero Torri has said that managing De Roon's workload will not be a problem once Cristante returns before Roma's match against Napoli. Torri said: "I think the management of De Roon will not be a problem with Cristante's return before the match with Napoli. For a 35-year-old player, four matches in ten days are a question mark, and I think he deliberately played part of the first half with the awareness that he had to reach the ninetieth minute. He grew into the game." His comments were part of a round-up of views from Rome's radio stations. The pundits reviewed Roma's recent performances. Francesco Balzani said Roma's Saturday match against Genoa began with some anxiety and a period of adjustment. He said he had feared the fixture because Roma were missing several regular starters and because of a possible knock-on effect after the Real Madrid game. The positives, he said, were Lulli and Castro, and the fact that Roma have a clear game plan. He added that he expects Roma to rarely play badly this season and that he would be disappointed if they finished below second place. Balzani also gave his view on Mora: "Mora can do more, and this leaves me calm. What I see him do right now tells me he is a great player, but Saturday's match was not one for a great player. He reads the lines of the pitch well, and with the ball I see he always knows what to do. He needs to become more streetwise, and without the physique he must strengthen himself mentally in some movements." Roberto Pruzzo, on Radio Radio, said: "Earlier I said that Castro could be Gasperini's Muriel, and I was totally rejected because he has different characteristics. I still think he can work alongside Malen, given the need for a different solution." On Mora, Pruzzo said: "In January I would think about finding him a solution. I don't think it is the time to have a prospect... in my view he is too far behind. When he brings him on, he plays a half, when he plays him. Perhaps you find a more physical solution. And in midfield an effort had to be made, because De Roon alone cannot be enough." Simone Valdarchi reflected on Roma's resilience: "Roma have always been quite good at reacting to complicated evenings. The match against Inter at Easter remains Roma's last league defeat. After that game the Champions League chase began, which at that point seemed very distant. The team instead reacted. In this case Gasp has his reasons for saying he never had doubts about this aspect."

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has praised Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, while urging caution over comparisons for defender Leonardo Balerdi and questioning the fee paid for Rodrigo Mora. Speaking on Arab broadcaster Shasha Sports, Pirlo spoke after Roma returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Genoa, which erased the heavy defeat to Real Madrid. Pirlo said Gasperini had been an innovator over the last 10 years: "Negli ultimi 10 anni è stato un innovatore, ha fatto vedere qualcosa di diverso, quindi è uno di quelli che hanno dato qualcosa di più al calcio italiano." He added that the coach had also won in Europe and deserves recognition as an innovator, because many coaches copy him. In Pirlo's words: "E questo vuol dire che hai lasciato un segno e stai continuando a farlo." On Balerdi, Pirlo said it was premature to compare him with Franco Baresi, a figure he described as the history of Italian and world football and a reference point for all defenders. "Buon giocatore, molto intelligente e aggressivo, si abbina bene a quello che vuole Gasperini," Pirlo said, adding that Baresi played in a completely different way but certainly had personality. Pirlo was more sceptical about Rodrigo Mora. He said: "Sono molto curioso di rivederlo, lo hanno pagato tanto. Mi piace? Vediamolo, bisogna vederlo. Per ora non mi ha ancora rubato l'occhio, i soldi che hanno speso mi sembrano tanti, spero di sbagliarmi." In English, he said he was very curious to see him again, that the club had paid a lot for him, and that he had not yet caught his eye, adding that the money spent seemed a lot and that he hoped to be wrong.

Francesco Totti has opened up in an interview with Il Corriere della Sera, recalling the mixed emotions of the day he retired from football and revealing that he came close to a serious illness after leaving the game, while also saying he would only return to Roma in a meaningful role. Asked whether the day he bid farewell to football was the best or worst of his life, Totti said it was both. "On one side it was more beautiful, because waiting for me beyond that door was a incredible, unique celebration. But on the other there was a lot of melancholy, because my career was ending. I was dead inside, because for us footballers, when the pitch ends, everything changes, a cycle of life closes. I was stunned, I didn't recognise myself." Totti admitted he came close to depression after retiring. "Yes, there was a moment when I risked depression. It's a heavy word, one that frightens. But I couldn't find the meaning of things. Suddenly the emptiness arrived. I felt alone in the middle of the ocean. It seemed like the emptiness was suffocating me. I wasn't ready, suddenly the ground was gone from under my feet." He also described a far more serious health scare. "I nearly died. To die of Covid, like my father. They were about to admit me to hospital, I had 87 oxygen saturation and a very severe bronchopneumonia. I spent 21 days with a fever of thirty-nine and I couldn't breathe. Then Professor Zangrillo called me and suggested I sleep with my chest on the bed, to open up my lungs. I came out of it, but I had a very bad time of it." On head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Totti was effusive. "I have a wonderful opinion of him. He has managed to make the Roma fans fall in love, to build a united, solid group that wants to prove itself and wants to win. When someone like that is at the helm, everything is possible." Totti also addressed his relationship with former coach Luciano Spalletti. "We just made an advert together. We had fun. He and I had a wonderful relationship, which went beyond football. In the last year there were problems, poisonous friction that I believe came from above, from the club. Someone convinced him that I had plotted to get him out. But the opposite is true. He had me playing even with one leg. I got on really well with him. As far as I'm concerned, I believe I have shown it, the interest of Roma, of the team, of the fans came first." Asked whether he would accept a non-ceremonial role at the club, Totti pointed to his past departure. "In Pallotta's time I left three and a half years of contract because I didn't want to be a pretty figurehead. It seemed natural to me that someone like me should be involved in the technical area. When I was at Roma as a director, they only called me when there were problems, to patch things up. I felt part of it and wanted to be in the project, not an image man. And even now I don't want to do that. If they need my knowledge of football, I'm here. Anyway, I will celebrate the centenary, with the people of Rome, with the Romanisti." When asked for the happiest day of his life, Totti did not choose a trophy or the World Cup. "No, it was when Cristian was born. I was playing in Messina and I arrived at the hospital and he had already been born. When I held him in my arms, I understood what the word happiness means."

Former Netherlands coach Frank de Boer has praised Donyell Malen's impact at Roma, saying the forward has a special quality and a particular instinct for goal. Speaking to SkySport on the sidelines of the World Padel Tour, De Boer said: "I think he has a special quality, a particular instinct for goal. He always has his body facing the goal, with his control oriented. In the first 5-10 metres he is very quick, and he has the composure to pick his spot and score. You can see that he now has a lot of confidence in himself." De Boer's comments are a sign of how Malen's form has grown in Rome, and they come with a reflection on the past. Asked about the forward's time with the Netherlands, De Boer said it would have been nice had Malen shown the same qualities when he was the national team coach. Malen had a one-on-one chance against the Czech Republic goalkeeper at the 2021 European Championship, but the Netherlands lost that match. De Boer went on: "It would have been nice if he had had the same qualities when I was coach. Once he found himself one-on-one with the Czech Republic goalkeeper, but we lost that match at the 2021 European Championship. If he had had the confidence he has now, he would have scored that goal, but he remains a great player, a fantastic person, a polite young man, and it is a pleasure to watch him play now at Roma." He added: "Gasperini is giving him confidence, but he knows he has to work hard, and this combination is the key to Roma's success."

Roma's radio pundits offered contrasting views ahead of the midweek fixture against Genoa. Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio Mattino that Roma's substitutes are stronger than Genoa's first team, predicting a draw driven by the fatigue of midweek football rather than any shortfall in quality. He expressed reservations about some of the summer market decisions, saying: "The reserves of Roma are superior to Genoa's starters. I expect a draw, not because Genoa are stronger, but because playing mid-week brings difficulties. Molina? From what I've seen in recent matches, perhaps it would have been better to look elsewhere. I didn't understand many of the market choices. You have to understand and accept a market where some decisions, for certain roles, seem questionable." Nando Orsi provided a fuller defence of both the transfer strategy and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's squad management. Orsi argued that Gasperini cannot be blamed for Roma's loss to Real Madrid, and that the club has conducted strong recruitment. He noted the reality of transfer constraints: "If you have to spend too much to buy, then you don't buy. Gasperini shaped the market too: it seems he was satisfied 80%. It's hard for a manager to be satisfied 100%, unless you manage Real Madrid, PSG or even bigger clubs." Orsi highlighted Roma's attacking depth, stating: "Roma has 11 players, nine of whom can be starters. Ahead of Castro, Malen always scores: it's obvious there are difficulties, but there are no doubts about Castro's qualities. Mora reminds me of Zaragoza." Orsi also defended recent signings and Roma's overall market performance this summer.

Roma pundits weighed in on the club's performance and transfer strategy following the Real Madrid loss, with sharp debate over Gasperini's public criticism of the ownership and Nahuel Molina's contribution. Roberto Pruzzo said Roma's reserves are stronger than Genoa's starting XI and predicted a draw, citing midweek fatigue. He expressed doubt about Molina's recent form: "Molina, for what I've seen in the last few matches, maybe it would have been better to look in another direction. You have to understand and accept a market where certain roles seem questionable." Pruzzo added that Santiago Castro deserves more playing time and noted that Genoa had won only one match in six months. Sabatini said Roma must mentally move past the final ten minutes against Real Madrid, warning that "otherwise every corner kick becomes a problem." He flagged five missing regular starters and expressed curiosity about Castro's performance. Carina noted that Mancini and Hermoso are not fully fit, forcing Gasperini to field Balerdi instead of his preferred back line. Carina observed that Gasperini has now directed three substantial criticisms at ownership: first at Como–Roma on the importance of the club's presence, then in the Real Madrid pre-match with a comment about wanting the ability to buy champions, and most recently a heavyweight attack. Carina questioned the €16 million plus bonuses spent on a sixth centre-back who never plays. He highlighted Roma's lack of mobile players and expressed concern about Rodrigo Mora's physical performance against Real Madrid's attacks, though acknowledged Mora could make a difference in Serie A. Luis Orsi pushed back, saying: "Gasperini, when he loses a match, starts saying they didn't buy him a player." He argued that while Gasperini bears no responsibility for the Real loss, Roma has conducted strong business and is performing well. Orsi stressed that the market was shaped by Gasperini too: "It seems he was satisfied for 80%. It's hard to think a coach gets 100% satisfaction unless he's at Real Madrid, PSG, or even bigger clubs." He noted Roma has eleven players, nine of whom could start, and that Castro faces competition from Donyell Malen, who scores regularly.

Antonio Cassano has criticized Paulo Dybala and Donyell Malen while praising Gian Piero Gasperini in an appearance on Viva El Futbol. The former Roma striker was unsparing in his assessment of the squad: "Dybala has been dragging along for 2–3 years. Malen? I don't like him. If Malen scores more than 20 goals, Roma are in the top four — otherwise? But Dybala scored 3 goals last season." Cassano reserved high praise for the head coach, however. "For me Gasperini is a phenomenon — he and Sacchi changed football," he said. Yet he acknowledged the demands Gasperini places on his players: "But I would never want to be coached by him, not even in my prime, because he makes you run so much."

Broadcaster Pardo has defended the standing ovation given to former manager José Mourinho at the Olimpico, dismissing criticism of the tribute as unfounded. Speaking on Radio Romanista, Pardo said he was not at the stadium but heard the roar from his nearby home. He argued that the recognition was entirely appropriate: "I find it absurd that there can be any controversy over the acknowledgement Mourinho received from the fans. He was an important figure. If the fans behave respectfully, they must be respected. Journalists should not decide who supports well and who doesn't." Pardo emphasised that the ovation did not undermine Roma's performance on the pitch. The atmosphere at the ground was excellent and directly contributed to the team's quality display, he said. He highlighted a 80-minute spell in which Roma proved superior to Real Madrid, though he acknowledged the final ten minutes warrant review. Despite that closing period, Pardo believes the performance deserves to be viewed with pride by the squad rather than forgotten. Pardo noted he was following the match from home while simultaneously watching Virtus Bologna play in Paris on a split screen. "The crowd supported the team, the atmosphere was beautiful, and it helped the squad to put on a tremendous performance," he said. He added that while the closing stages require analysis, "there are margins for improvement" and the overall display showcased what Roma is capable of delivering.

Antonio Cassano has launched a blunt critique of Paulo Dybala's form and fitness, arguing the Argentine forward no longer possesses the physical strength to be Roma's primary attacking weapon. Speaking on the latest episode of Viva El Futbol, the former Roma striker said: "You can see how he runs, how much he struggles to run. He no longer has strength in his legs. In his prime, at Juventus, he often played in the attacking half and there were free kicks and so on. With 7-8 years less on him. Now he struggles, he's missing that bit of strength he had before. Sometimes he plays through balls, puts in decent performances, but I can't think Roma should rely solely on him and Malen. Sometimes even when he takes free kicks he no longer has that punch, perhaps also because of injuries. For 2-3 years now he's been dragging himself along." Cassano was equally dismissive of Donyell Malen, Roma's fellow forward. "I don't like Malen," he stated. "If Malen scores more than 20 goals Roma are in the top four, otherwise? But Dybala last season scored 3 goals." The former attacker also offered a contrasting assessment of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, whom he holds in the highest regard. "For me Gasperini is a phenomenon, him and Sacchi have changed football. But I would never want to be coached by him, not even in my prime, because he makes you run really hard," Cassano said.

Rome's radio stations offered their verdict on Roma's 3–2 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, with analysis focused on the team's physical and mental state, defensive instability, and the depth of Gasperini's squad for the coming fixture against Genoa. Ugo Trani pointed to Bryan Cristante's absence from set-piece duties and a collective loss of focus after conceding the 3–2 goal. He noted that Mario Hermoso was withdrawn after struggling against Endrick's attacks and recovering from a first-half error, and predicted that one of Evan N'Dicka, Gianluca Mancini or Hermoso would rest against Genoa, with Leonardo Balerdi in line to feature. Trani also suggested Lorenzo Pellegrini could be used as a midfield change, with Niccolò Pisilli and Marten de Roon having shown they can form a functional partnership—the pair were on the pitch for three goals against Real. Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio that Roma exited the Real Madrid match in pieces, both physically and mentally. "Alla Roma mancano quei 2–3 giocatori che ti mandano la palla nel Tevere," he said—Rome lack those two or three players who take risks and put the ball where it matters. Mario Mattioli raised concerns over Konstantinos Koulierakis, who he said "was wandering in midfield like a lost soul, with no marking responsibility, nothing." Piero Torri described the squad depth as critical: Gasperini has 16 players of movement available, 11 starters and five substitutes—an emergency. Lorenzo Pes suggested Cristante would attempt to recover for the Napoli fixture. The coverage reflected wider concern about how Gasperini will manage Roma's limited resources in back-to-back domestic and European fixtures.

Roma radio personalities have weighed in on the tribute paid to José Mourinho by the Curva Sud during a recent match. Rossomando, speaking on Radio Radio Manà Manà Sport, said the ovation lasted three to four minutes and saw nothing unusual about it. "Mou has always been a favourite of the fans, so it was something that could happen," he stated. Conflitti, also on Radio Manà Manà Sport, took a more measured stance on the reception. "On the question of the welcome for Mourinho, I believe we must respect both the position of those who chose to sing and put up banners, and that of those who say it was something excessive," he said. The exchange reflects differing views among Roma's supporter base and media regarding how to mark Mourinho's legacy following his departure from the club.

Roman radio stations dissected Roma's 3–2 loss to Real Madrid yesterday, with broadcasters and former players offering mixed assessments of Gasperini's tactical display alongside praise for the team's attacking performance that ultimately collapsed in the final eight minutes. The match saw Roma lead until the 85th minute before conceding three goals in quick succession, a sequence that drew sharp criticism across multiple stations. Piero Torri (Radio Manà Manà Sport) captured the mood: "All stunned at the final whistle: players, fans and even Gasperini. A heavy blow yesterday. Before the 85th minute you lived what could have been and instead was not. In eight minutes you transformed what could have been a victory capable of giving a push for the future into a setback not insignificant, which I hope does not have repercussions on morale. Unacceptable to concede three goals like that. After 3–2 Roma completely collapsed." He added that Matías Soulé delivered his best performance of the season and questioned the timing of his substitution. Gasperini received ratings between 5 and 6.5 from the panel—Franco Melli (Radio Radio Mattino) gave him a 5, noting Roma "must define itself" as too many matches end in collapse, and criticised Lorenzo Pellegrini's introduction as "the most serious mistake." Simone Valdarchi (Radio Manà Manà Sport) highlighted that Roma conceded three goals from set-pieces in nearly identical fashion, calling it unusual and difficult to recall precedent for. Roberto Pruzzo (Radio Radio Mattino) observed the squad maintains too high a tempo early on and cannot sustain it through a full match. Luigi Ferrajolo (Radio Radio Mattino) argued that with Real Madrid's quality, an entertaining style of play should be non-negotiable. However, Alessandro Vocalelli (Radio Radio Mattino) and Nando Orsi (Radio Radio Mattino) defended the display, with Vocalelli crediting defensive errors on set-pieces rather than Gasperini's strategy, and Orsi noting Roma simply lost the ability to maintain possession and conceded from corners—a shortcoming rather than poor tactics. Injury concerns now loom. Manu Koné suffered an injury with return expected after the international break, while Paulo Dybala sustained a muscular strain in his calf area, making his availability for the Genoa match uncertain.

Mourinho's side inflicted a painful defeat on Roma with a goal in the 90th minute, scored by a former Roma player. The Portuguese manager's behaviour after the final whistle became the focal point of the match: he made a small gesture with his finger and moved from one side to the other, appearing to express joy while restraining himself visibly. In an interview with Amazon, when pressed repeatedly by a journalist, Mourinho denied the gesture was a celebration and insisted there was nothing against Roma. "I couldn't celebrate in the Curva Nord, where our fans were, and neither in the Curva Sud, out of respect," he explained. The detail underscored the weight of his history with the club that transformed him into a king. For Roma, the result was bitter—a late concession that stung both the environment and the squad under Gasperini. The loss carried the particular sting of coming at the hands of a manager who had been loved and shaped by the Giallorossi, yet now faced them as an opponent. Mourinho's visible restraint, his refusal to celebrate openly despite the victory, revealed the emotional complexity of the moment for him. What made the occasion distinctly Mourinho was the perfect storm: a win, a goal in the final moments, and the goalscorer being a former Roma player. Yet melancholy remained etched in his expression. The narrative belonged to a people who had loved him and would love him forever—a relationship that transcended the result itself, leaving an unmistakable sadness beneath the surface of triumph.

Vincent Candela previewed Roma's Champions League match against Real Madrid on Prime Video, expressing confidence that the giallorossi will test the Spanish giants despite the strength of their opposition. Candela highlighted the significance of Roma's return to Europe's elite competition after seven years, praising Gasperini and the club for engineering that turnaround. "For us it's a day of celebration, for the players it's a wonderful match against Real Madrid, who are at the top of football," Candela said. "We're back in the Champions League after 7 years with great Gasperini and the club. The stadium is always full, tonight even more so. We support Roma, it will be a beautiful match. I'm convinced we will put them in difficulty." Candela analysed the tactical duel between Gasperini and José Mourinho, who now manages Real Madrid. "They are two great, winning managers, different in their approach to the match," he explained. "Mourinho is coaching great Real Madrid again, but Gasperini has the squad with him in a moment of confidence in attack and in defence. Gasperini won't change his tactics, he'll play high and press. Even though with Mbappé and Vinicius it will be difficult." Candela expressed a preference for Gasperini's style of football while acknowledging Mourinho's winning pedigree. "I like how Gasperini plays more, Mourinho is a winner and he has won with Roma," he said. "It will be a very different match, but special."

Miralem Pjanic, appearing as a guest on Prime Video for Roma's Champions League encounter with Real Madrid, praised the Giallorossi as the standout team of the Serie A season and spoke warmly of the club's unique atmosphere. Pjanic expressed enthusiasm about returning to the Olimpico, saying he was eager to witness the European showdown. On Roma's form under Gasperini, he noted: "It impresses me. In Gasperini's second year the squad is even better and more cohesive. It's going very strong at the start of the campaign—it's the team that impresses me most in this Serie A. I think it's the best moment to face Real Madrid, in a burning Olimpico." Pjanic drew particular attention to the Olimpico crowd, declaring: "Roma's fans are unique. Roma's players will be desperate to take to the pitch against Real Madrid." He also reflected on the emotional significance of his return to the stadium. On the prospect of the match itself, he said: "It's exciting, I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to see this great evening of football. Let's hope we experience a great spectacle." Speaking of Paulo Dybala, with whom Pjanic played for four years, he praised the Argentine's qualities: "It's lovely to see him like this. He's the player with the best touch and best technique in Serie A. It's always a pleasure to see a player like that on the pitch—Roma and the fans must rightly make the most of him." On José Mourinho's time at Roma, Pjanic reflected: "Winning is winning. He's a master at it. Hearing him speak and seeing the images, I feel it on me too—you can leave Roma but Roma doesn't leave you. The love Roma gives you is hard to find elsewhere."