AS Roma Squad News

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

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

Emanuele Lulli produced a magical first-half display in Roma's match against Cagliari, scoring a goal and providing an assist within the first 22 minutes. The 2007-born defender has just renewed his contract until 2031, and his form explains why. In the first half against Cagliari, Lulli matched the numbers of Xavi Espart, the Barcelona full-back. Together they are the only defenders born in 2007 or later with at least three goal contributions (assists or goals) in the current season. According to OptaPaolo, Espart has so far recorded two assists and one goal. For Lulli the numbers are reversed: he already has two goals to his name, plus the assist for Pisilli this evening. The article describes the performance as a true gem.

Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to reporters before and after his side's Serie A win over Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, the ninth matchday fixture, and said the team's second-half dip came down to fatigue and injuries rather than anything more serious. Gasperini said: "It's going very well like this. Tonight we had some players who were struggling, who hadn't fully recovered. Some of their players, especially up front, were fresher and put us under pressure. That's the only reason." He added: "Our midfield has been playing the same men every time for 90 minutes, and you could see some fatigue. Winning this game is an even greater credit, partly through the substitutions and partly through the will of everyone." The win came without a number of key players. Gasperini confirmed that Balerdi and Hermoso were unavailable as they were not in condition to play, and said Roma need time to recover. He said: "It's not easy to play so many games without Dybala, Koné, and Pellegrini, who isn't here... Svilar a little less, Gollini was sensational." Cristante returned after a month out and played two 90-minute games in three days, which Gasperini said was a factor. He also described Cagliari as a difficult side. On goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, Gasperini said: "He wouldn't have made 112 games with me if he weren't a goalkeeper of quality." He recalled that Gollini had been the third-choice goalkeeper for Italy at the start, and said: "I never had doubts about his qualities and potential. We put a few things right, and for the past year and a half he has trained superbly. I'm very happy with what he did tonight and in these last games. Up close he is extraordinary, although sometimes he concedes from distance, which has always been a limit of his. But he is a goalkeeper of great value." Gasperini praised the club's youth products after Lulli's assist for Pisilli's goal. He said: "They are wonderful boys. The Roma youth sector always produces fine talents. Lulli was training to head the ball yesterday, and today he scored with his head. It isn't his best piece, but it was extraordinary." On Mora, he said: "I saw him score against Porto, similar to tonight's goal. He is small, but very coordinated and jumps very well. He strikes the ball with real force, and that is a great goal." Asked about Mora's recent role, Gasperini said: "I'm fortunate to see the training sessions, so I decide based on those. Having not played some matches, or having played little at the end, he reacted in the best possible way. He has this speed and quickness. He is still very young and must still develop physically to last longer and to start games, perhaps even for 90 minutes. But at the moment, used this way, he is an important weapon." He noted Mora had already played a few minutes at Napoli, taking part in the move for the equaliser, and added: "Compared to the start of the year he is clearly evolving. The header, despite his height, is a sign of that." Asked whether the team's defensive lapses had cost them, Gasperini agreed in part. He said: "Yes, it has happened in other situations too. This is our sixth match in a row played every three days. You can find players who have produced important performances and then find them tired. Koulierakis played tonight in his first match. Unfortunately Balerdi and Hermoso could not play. I think the Napoli game also left some marks and knocks. We now have to recover them." He concluded: "Winning and scoring goals of this type is a great sign of strength. Rather than the negatives, I would focus on that." Asked about the squad's depth and his own role, Gasperini said: "This is a great reward, but I am very happy for these players. All of them, without exception, feel fulfilled right now. Every match counts, not just the ones against Real Madrid, Como or Inter. These matches are worth three points just like the others. Right now every player in the squad is involved and decisive. Even Gollini, for example. Wesley was not in the starting line-up, he came on only later. That is certainly one of our strengths." On Dybala, Gasperini said he had been optimistic about the forward's availability for selection, having seen him train on Sunday and Monday, but the Argentine was not available tonight. He said: "Unfortunately, when Paulo has to recover from injury, it always takes a little longer." Asked whether Dybala could be available for the trip to Udine, he gave no firm answer in the interview.

Mile Svilar's absence has put Pierluigi Gollini back in the spotlight, and he is now Roma's number one, though only for the time being. The former Atalanta goalkeeper is ready to keep a clean sheet again, this time against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico. He spoke to Dazn shortly before the match. Roma came back from behind to beat Napoli, and Gollini said the team arrived at this fixture with plenty of determination. "Obviously we are playing a lot, like the others who play in cups," he said. "We arrive very determined, Napoli is behind us. We know what awaits us tonight, we know what to do and how to approach it." Gollini has not played for two years, and he is now trying to prove himself again in goal. Asked for his own assessment after such a long absence, he said: "I feel good and I am trying to show that I am of a high level. But the important thing is Roma and making an important contribution."

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico in a midweek fixture, with the Giallorossi looking to close the gap on the top of the table and hope for slip-ups from their rivals. Gian Piero Gasperini's side come into the match after a draw against Napoli, while Cagliari, coached by Pisacane, have lost their last two outings of the season after a sprint start. The result matters for Roma's league position, as a win would keep them in contention with the leaders. Cagliari began the season strongly, but their recent slump leaves them looking for a response away from home comforts. Roma will be aiming to turn a point-dropping run into a positive midweek performance in front of their own supporters. The main boost for Gasperini concerns Paulo Dybala, who could be back in contention for selection after his absence. The article also covers the broader preview of the match, including the viewing options on Sky and Dazn, probable line-ups, the referee, head-to-head records and betting odds.

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

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

Roma sporting director D'Amico is already working ahead of the January transfer window, with David Moses of Slavia Prague emerging as a target, according to Africafoot and Ekrem Konur. The aim is to broaden the squad available to Gasperini, who continues to request reinforcements in several key roles. Midfield is a priority. Recent injuries to Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante have highlighted the need for more alternatives in the department. Moses, born in 2002, is one of the fixed starters at Slavia Prague, who are currently dominating the Czech league. Moses's contract runs until June 2029, and his valuation is reportedly around €10 million.

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..."

Roma and Juventus have reportedly identified Genoa midfielder Samuel Wiafe, a 2008-born player, as a prospect to strengthen their midfield. Scouts from several of Serie A's biggest clubs were in the stands on Sunday to watch him closely, and both clubs are said to be evaluating him with a long-term view. Genoa bought the player in the summer from Modena for 2.5 million plus bonuses. In Roma's own news, Rodrigo Mora could get a first-team start against Cagliari. With Lorenzo Pellegrini out and Paulo Dybala at best likely to be on the bench, the Portuguese hopes to find room in his natural role. According to Il Messaggero, Gasperini sees Mora not as an alternative to Matías Soulé but mainly as the deputy for Dybala: a pure number ten, to be involved more between the lines and in the final pass. Roma's match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico is expected to draw around 60,000 spectators. It is the last home game before a double away trip: the Giallorossi travel to Udine on Saturday, then remain in Friuli to train on Sunday before leaving from Trieste for England, where they face Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday.

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

Roma are securing their future with a series of contract renewals, with Pierluigi Gollini and Mario Hermoso reportedly close to signing new deals. Emanuele Lulli's extension to 2031 has already been made official, and the club has also reached an agreement with goalkeeper Giorgio De Marzi. According to Il Tempo, the young goalkeeper, born in 2007, has already signed a new contract running to June 2031, although the club has yet to announce it officially. With the younger players sorted, attention has turned to four players whose contracts expire on 30 June 2027: Gollini, Hermoso, Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. Roma are assessing each case individually. Gollini's situation is viewed optimistically. An extension of one more season, to 2028, appeared close during the summer, and the club's stance has reportedly not changed. Hermoso has returned to excellent form under Gasperini. Roma exercised their option in the spring to extend his contract to 2027, and initial contacts have reportedly begun to discuss a new agreement. Gasperini regards the Spaniard as an important part of his defensive unit and has never hidden his esteem for him. The situations of Dybala and Pellegrini are considered far more delicate. Both signed one-year renewals during the summer, a decision taken by the club to gain more time to assess their performances, consistency and physical condition before committing further. No final decision has yet been made. According to Il Tempo, the futures of the two players will probably not be settled until 2027, when Roma will have a fuller picture of their contribution this season. The coming months are therefore important for the club's management. While the path to keeping Gollini and Hermoso appears fairly clear, the futures of Dybala and Pellegrini remain open. Both are players of significant technical and economic weight, and the club wants to take the time it needs before deciding whether they will continue together beyond the current season.

Roma winger Wesley França has drawn scrutiny over his social media activity, which ranges from flashy displays of wealth to a public row with his wife. Wesley, who joined Roma in the summer of 2025 and has become one of the pillars of Gian Piero Gasperini's side in just a year, is at the centre of the controversy after a series of posts that have been reported by Il Messaggero's Gianluca Lengua. The problems arise when, off the pitch, the discipline he shows every Sunday seems to disappear. Wesley's TikTok activity has included one post that looks like it came from a rap video: bundles of 50-euro notes arranged in front of a gaming set-up, alongside two expensive watches worth several thousand euros each. Where the money comes from, and whether the notes are replicas or genuine, is unknown. A video featuring Pierino, a restaurateur and influencer, has also sparked criticism after the Carabinieri's NAS unit suspended his business over hygiene and health-and-safety failings. Wesley is also a keen gamer. One of his favourites is "171", the Brazilian GTA-style game set among arms traffickers, beatings and gang shootouts, in which he has his own character wearing a Roma shirt. Last July he posted a video showing his wife Amanda Martins some virtual accessories he had bought in Counter-Strike, an online game, including a digital knife he paid more than 2,000 euros for. Yesterday, Amanda Martins made a harsh public statement accusing the Brazilian of repeated infidelity. She said: "Lui non mi deve più niente, perché oggi siamo separati" ("He owes me nothing any more, because today we are separated").

Matías Soulé has turned his season around in two months, delivering what Il Corriere della Sera's Davide Stoppini describes as the best performance of his Roma career in the win at Napoli, where Roma came from behind. Roma were trailing in that match before recovering, and Soulé was the driving force throughout. Just two months ago the forward had spent a summer with a "for sale" tag hanging around his neck. Back from his holidays, he was stopped by reporters at Fiumicino asking whether he would stay at the club, and he could not even answer. Gasperini also made no secret in his press conference that the forward had returned overweight. The turnaround is significant because Soulé was criticised last season for often failing to perform in the big matches, when the level of games rose and he could not take control. Against Napoli, by contrast, he was consistent over the whole match rather than only in isolated moments. Stoppini writes that Soulé "did everything well" in the performance. Rodrigo Mora is set to play in the attacking trio as a pure number ten, and will move in the footsteps of Soulé, a curious and not trivial pairing for how the match will unfold. For the third forward spot, Donyell Malen and Santiago Castro are in a battle. Malen is still ahead, but Castro has good chances of overtaking him and regaining a starting place after scoring a goal a week ago against Genoa.

Roma head into tonight's home match against Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico, kicking off at 20:45, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini looking to return to winning ways after a draw at Napoli and to avoid losing ground in the race for the top positions. The Giallorossi have a run of fixtures that, on paper, offers a chance to build momentum: Cagliari tonight, then Udinese away and Sassuolo before the November international break. The challenge is balancing the need for points with the need to manage energy levels. The recent schedule of demanding clashes has left physical and mental fatigue, and Gasperini knows he cannot keep asking the same players for extra effort. The Champions League meeting with Manchester United, which falls between the trip to Udine and the Sassuolo match, adds to the pressure. Despite absences that continue to limit his options, Gasperini is considering a significant turnover. He admitted at yesterday's press conference that some changes are likely, stressing the need to use a squad now able to provide rotation. One of the most likely changes involves Emanuele Lulli, who is set to return to the starting line-up on the right flank just after officially renewing his contract until 2031. He could replace Wesley, one of the most used players so far this season, with Molina a candidate to occupy the left side. In defence, Leonardo Balerdi, who scored a brace at the Maradona, is pushing for a starting place. Daniele Ghilardi could also start in place of Gianluca Mancini. Rodrigo Mora is among the main candidates to start, with Bryan Cristante possibly dropping into midfield to add quality in the final third. The most notable surprise could come up front. According to reports in the press, including Il Messaggero, Gasperini is considering giving Donyell Malen a rest, with Santiago Castro leading the attack. The move is far from certain, as the Dutchman remains the team's main offensive reference and the favourite to start. However, the idea of preserving him for the upcoming fixtures is one of the options on the table, a sign that the coach wants to genuinely widen his rotation. The watchword remains to win. Cagliari, coached by Pisacane, are going through a difficult period, but matches like this one hide dangers for a side coming off many close fixtures. Gasperini must find fresh energy without lowering the level of competitiveness, and needs important responses from those who have had less playing time so far. Roma cannot afford slip-ups at a point in the season when the calendar offers a valuable opportunity: winning consecutive matches before the break and arriving at the next big clashes with an even stronger league position. The turnover is necessary, but the three points are even more so.

Rodrigo Mora has a chance to make his mark against Cagliari, with Pellegrini out and Dybala likely to be limited to a place on the bench. Il Messaggero's Stefano Carina writes that Mora has been under constant scrutiny since arriving in the Capital. Those who defend him praise even a simple pass of three metres, portraying him as a prodigy when he still has everything left to prove. The other side of the coin is that he arrived with the tag of a 50 million signing, when in reality he cost half that, and nothing is forgiven him. Carina believes Mora feels and carries the weight of that situation. When he steps onto the pitch he is never at ease. Against Genoa he seemed to be playing with a desire to prove he is good, a mistake because he is good, with the technique of a futsal player. The underlying problem is tactical positioning. Beyond the flights of fancy, Mora is a pure trequartista: he can roam across the whole attacking line, but he is the man for the final pass and needs to touch and play as many balls as possible. Roma, however, currently play in a different way, and the Portuguese is forced to adapt, almost always finishing on the left. Carina argues that at 19 a player can be tactically moulded, but basic characteristics remain. Soulé is an example: he can play on the left when Dybala is available but is seen on the right, as in Naples, and it becomes clear how much he loses when shifted wide. Mora's situation is similar. With a low base position, he tried to adapt in his first outings, although he often becomes unmarkable on the first dribble.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini will be watching Roma against Cagliari with close attention, with two young midfielders in mind for the future of the national team: Roma's Niccolò Pisilli and Cagliari's Alessandro Romano. The pair are seen as the building blocks of Italy's midfield for the coming years, and both are on Mancini's list, according to Andrea Pugliese in La Gazzetta dello Sport. Romano made his debut for Italy in the latest round of Nations League fixtures. Pisilli would have been called up too, but Mancini chose to leave him with Silvio Baldini, as Italy's Under-21 side had key matches in the qualifying campaign for the European Championship. The two players are close friends. Their bond was built over their years together at Trigoria, Roma's training ground.

Roma host Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday 27 October at 20:45 in the ninth round of Serie A, with Gian Piero Gasperini weighing up some changes after the 3-3 draw at Napoli's Maradona. Roma remain unbeaten in Serie A and sit third with 18 points from eight matches, having drawn their head-to-head clashes against Inter, Como and Napoli. Cagliari, coached by Fabio Pisacane, are ninth on 13 points and come into the game on the back of two consecutive defeats, against Monza and Bologna. Roma are looking to return immediately to winning ways to stay within touching distance of the top of the table. The trip to Naples was described as a costly one, and Gasperini is considering some rotation. Dybala is returning towards the matchday squad but is expected to start on the bench. Svilar, Koné and Pellegrini are ruled out. Gollini keeps his place in goal, while Ghilardi could get a chance in defence alongside N'Dicka and Balerdi. Cristante starts in midfield from the first minute alongside Pisilli. Lulli and Molina are favoured on the flanks, with Soulé and Rodrigo Mora expected to support Malen up front. For Cagliari, Pisacane must do without Winks, who is sidelined by lumbar pain, as well as Felici and Idrissi. Trepy returns to the matchday squad. Yerry Mina is set to return to the starting line-up in defence, while Sugawara and Zé Pedro compete for a place on the right. Gagliardini will take Winks' place in midfield, with Maldini and Adopo expected to play behind Mendy, although Kevin Carlos remains a possible option. The match will be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, available through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, consoles and computers. There will be no live broadcast on the traditional Sky Sport channels. Kick-off at the Stadio Olimpico is set for 20:45 on Tuesday 27 October. Bookmakers make Roma clear favourites. A Roma win is priced on average between 1.33 and 1.35, a draw around 4.90-5.00, and a Cagliari win between 8.25 and 9.60. The market also expects a game with at least three goals, with Over 2.5 favoured over Under, and No Goal offered at a slightly lower price than Goal. The 2-0 correct score to Roma carries the shortest odds at around 6.50, ahead of 1-0 and 2-1. ROMA (3-4-2-1): Gollini; Ghilardi, Ndicka, Balerdi; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Molina; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Manager: Gasperini. CAGLIARI (4-3-2-1): Caprile; Sugawara, Mina, Rodriguez, Obert; Romano, Gagliardini, Deiola; Adopo, Maldini; Mendy. Manager: Pisacane. Referee: Ermanno Feliciani (Teramo). Assistants: Zingarelli and Fontani. Fourth official: Mariani. VAR: Ghersini. AVAR: Camplone.

Roma goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini produced a key save against former team-mate Matteo Politano during Napoli-Roma, and the two shared a light-hearted moment afterwards. In the 57th minute at the Maradona, with Napoli leading 2-0, Politano took advantage of an error by Wesley to go one-on-one with Gollini and try to seal the match. Napoli's number 21, however, had not reckoned with the effective rush off his line by the Roma keeper, who closed down the angle. The two were team-mates at Napoli in the 2023-24 season, and the exchange showed that their friendship runs deeper than the 90 minutes. Roma were beaten 2-0 at the time of the incident, with Wesley's mistake proving costly in the build-up. According to DAZN, which published the clip on Instagram, Gollini approached his friend after the save and embraced him, almost as a consolation, before giving him a friendly nudge towards the centre of the pitch.

Roma are preparing to tie down another academy product, with goalkeeper Giorgio De Marzi reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract running until 2031. According to Il Tempo, the American shot-stopper is the club's third-choice goalkeeper and his current deal expires in June. The move follows the recent contract renewal for Emanuele Lulli, and forms part of the club's wider strategy of building around its young talent. The club is determined to keep its most promising players from its youth system, avoiding the mistake of losing some of its brightest prospects as it has in the past. De Marzi, born in 2007, is a United States international goalkeeper and the rest of the club's plans for continuity in its youth development are reflected in this renewal. Securing him on a long-term deal would give the club a homegrown stopper in its goalkeeping ranks for years to come.

Gian Piero Gasperini has offered encouraging news on Paulo Dybala ahead of Roma's home match against Cagliari, which is scheduled for tomorrow at the Stadio Olimpico. The Roma coach said Dybala could return to the squad for the fixture, with a final decision to be made only after the afternoon training session. Roma are returning to action after a draw against Napoli, and Gasperini is still dealing with several absences. Dybala is the player with the best chance of an immediate return, and his possible selection would give Gasperini an extra option, although his availability is not yet certain. The news is less positive for Manu Koné, who is not expected back in the short term. Mile Svilar, meanwhile, is nearing a return, which would be a boost for Roma's goalkeeping options. The Champions League trip to Manchester United on 3 November is the key target for Svilar, with the Sassuolo league match the fallback. Gasperini said: "The only possible one is Dybala, we'll try this afternoon, maybe I can take him onto the bench, I am confident." On Koné, he added: "Koné is unlikely before the break. Svilar could arrive this week, Thursday or Friday, with the benefit of the doubt, or next week. For Manchester that would be the maximum, or maybe Sassuolo." Roma's trip to Manchester United in the Champions League is on 3 November, and Gasperini's cautious wording suggests Svilar's return will be managed carefully.

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini has given a press conference on the eve of the match against Cagliari, outlining the fitness situation of several players and rotation plans. Dybala is the only possible fitness doubt, and Gasperini said: "Let's see this afternoon whether we can bring him to the bench, that would already be positive and I have good confidence." On rotation, he said: "Today is our first training session but it's already the eve of the match, I decide today. Probably yes, there's always something. We'll also see based on the assessment of the opponent. We have a squad that can rotate very well even during matches." Gasperini was also asked about the suspension handed to Allegri. Gasperini said: "I didn't hear it, then you reported it and surely it's like that. There are the numbers, the testimonies, the data, ours and those of the other teams. I haven't read a comment in favour of this observation, which seems really unfortunate to me. There's no need for me to add anything else." Roma's form is a central theme. The club has taken 15 consecutive league results without defeat. Asked about the reason for the change in mentality, Gasperini said: "This is continuous and must still be. Our goal is always to improve ourselves, there's never a limit on this. We have certainly reached a way of playing on the pitch that is repeated over time and gives us results, so we continue to face matches in this way. There is certainly growth across the whole squad, also individual growth for many players, but above all there is an environment that pushes us to be brave, proactive, to face all matches, even the most difficult ones, with the confidence of doing our part well." On Soulé, Gasperini said: "Unfortunately he had to stay still because of the groin problem, he lost a few months. This year he has restarted from where he had finished the first half of last year. The match with Napoli was extraordinary, but the others were also of a high level. Sometimes we forget that he is 23, at 23 a player still has margins of maturity in all aspects that can make him stronger and stronger. This year, also in several roles, on the right, on the left, out wide, he has found the goal as a trequartista, he is now a player who is acquiring confidence in his game. There are other things we think he can improve. He works very well to try to grow. Then he was called up by Argentina." On Lulli's contract renewal, Gasperini said: "They are only situations. There we have four players who are doing very well. They are coincidences. I am happy for him, he deserves it. The goal of everyone is to improve individually so the team can be even stronger." On goals conceded, he said: "The attitude is always very positive. The goals are all different. Against Real Madrid we were more at fault, compared for example with Anguissa's goal. Nothing went wrong. Situations need to be analysed. Then of course, sometimes we make technical errors but the approach is always very positive. We haven't conceded many goals from set pieces, except in a few matches. Scoring two against Inter, three against Real, three against Napoli, are matches where there are great players and the conversion rate is higher." Asked about changing defenders during games, he said: "Yes, a bit of everything. With five substitutions, which are really a lot, it can happen that we change the defenders. Opponents bring on strong and fresh opponents, so a change in defence also makes sense, as happened with Hermoso against Real. It's true that with our defenders at the moment we have an attacking tendency to score goals, especially in the air they are very effective. Even there it's part of finding solutions during the match, because compared with others they are stronger in the air." On the three draws in the league, he said: "They were three matches all different but certainly beautiful in different ways. Very balanced, but in all three we came out of them very well. I don't want to say more, but certainly not less compared with the opponents. They are our most direct rivals in the league, in the other matches, apart from Atalanta. We didn't win, but the others didn't win either. We didn't take that extra step by winning one, but the path is very positive." On what is missing to win such matches, Gasperini said: "They are balanced matches. We had the concrete opportunity to go ahead. They are matches where you play on the quality of finishing. We found ourselves 2-0 down, we came back and we had the confidence to win it, then we fell behind again and equalised. In 90 minutes these kinds of games can take different turns, very much thanks to the skill of a few players. We must look at the assessment of the 90 minutes, and it's true we had some difficulties, but overall I believe Roma came out of it very well. We leave aware of having played on equal terms, certainly not an inch less." Looking ahead on injuries, Gasperini said: "Koné is unlikely before the break. Svilar could return this week and could be recovered next week. It would be ideal for Manchester, or for the last one against Sassuolo."

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi has spoken about his mentality, pressure and leadership in a short interview recorded during the national team camp. Speaking on the subject of performing under pressure, he said: "Do il meglio sotto pressione. Disciplina, personalità e talento, questo per me è l'ordine" – in English, "I give my best under pressure. Discipline, personality and talent, for me that is the order." Asked what kind of leader he prefers within a team, Ghilardi was clear: "Meglio un leader silenzioso, che parla nel momento giusto e con i modi giusti" – "I'd rather have a silent leader, one who speaks at the right moment and in the right way." The centre-back's comments paint a picture of a player who avoids grand statements and prefers to earn his place through work and conduct on the pitch. Ghilardi also addressed how he manages his physical limits during a match: "Se sono esausto ma riesco a dare ancora qualcosa resto in campo, se ho i crampi è giusto far entrare altri" – "If I'm exhausted but can still give something, I stay on the pitch; if I have cramps, it's right to bring others on." That approach fits with what Gian Piero Gasperini demands from his players: intensity, aggression and a willingness to sacrifice. Fresh from a convincing performance in the Champions League against Slovan Bratislava, Ghilardi is working to carve out an increasingly important role in the Roma defence. His interview shows a defender who links his tactical discipline directly with his personal leadership style, and who is keen to make his case for a regular place in the backline.

Roma defender Daniele Ghilardi has outlined the principles that shape his approach to football, placing discipline above talent and favouring quiet leadership over constant vocal presence. The comments came in a short interview with Ali-Lavoro, recorded while he was playing for the Italian national team. Ghilardi said he performs best under pressure and set out his own priorities. "Do il meglio sotto pressione. Disciplina, personalità e talento, questo per me è l'ordine." In his view, discipline comes first, followed by personality, with talent third. He stresses the value of daily work and the importance of character in the squad. On leadership, the Roma centre-back showed a clear preference for players who guide the group without always being in the spotlight. He said: "Meglio un leader silenzioso, che parla nel momento giusto e con i modi giusti." For Ghilardi, a good leader knows when to intervene rather than feeling the need to be heard all the time, a view that also reflects the value he places on concentration and responsibility within the group. He also put the team's needs ahead of personal ones. Asked about managing fatigue during a match, Ghilardi explained when a player should stay on the pitch and when he should make way. He said: "Se sono esausto ma riesco a dare ancora qualcosa resto in campo, se ho i crampi è giusto far entrare altri." His answer highlights a refusal to give in to tiredness, while recognising the need to make room for a team-mate when physical condition no longer allows a player to contribute.