Allegri gets Vergara back for Napoli's clash with Roma

Lorenzo Pellegrini faces another spell on the sidelines after leaving the pitch early in Roma's Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava with a muscle problem, and the captain will undergo instrumental tests tomorrow to establish the extent of the injury. Paolo Assogna, speaking to Manà Manà Sport Roma, reported that the first impressions are far from positive. Roma have been battling a run of absences, yet Gian Piero Gasperini's side have continued to deliver high-level performances, almost managing to mask the unavailability of several players. Bryan Cristante has returned from injury, but Pellegrini is once again forced to stop, adding to the club's fitness concerns at a time when the squad is already stretched. After the match, Gasperini had explained that he did not expect a particularly serious problem, but he had nonetheless suggested a layoff in the region of three weeks. The results of tomorrow's examinations are expected to give a clearer picture of the timeline for the Roma captain's recovery. The concrete risk is that Pellegrini will not return to action until after the mid-November international break.

Roma are waiting anxiously on the condition of Lorenzo Pellegrini, who left the pitch during the match against Slovan Bratislava with a muscular problem in his right thigh. Speaking in his post-match press conference, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini said the midfielder could be sidelined for 20 days. The official diagnosis, along with a timeframe for recovery, will come tomorrow, when Pellegrini, who wears the number 7 shirt, undergoes instrumental tests. Until then, the club's medical staff will not be able to confirm how long he will be out, leaving the squad and supporters in suspense over his availability. Gasperini's estimate of 20 days offers an early indication of the likely absence, but the scan results will determine the final prognosis and whether the Roma captain-level midfielder is ready for the next fixtures.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness has Gian Piero Gasperini anxious after the midfielder pulled up with a problem in his right thigh flexor and asked to be substituted in the 50th minute of Roma's most recent match. The number seven, back in the squad for about a month, is already back on the treatment table. Pellegrini first underwent initial checks on Tuesday, with a magnetic resonance scan due on Wednesday to determine how long he will be out. Roma's hope is that the injury is a first-degree tear, which would keep him sidelined for around 15 days. If the problem proves more serious, he will not return until after the November international break. Roma face Napoli with a limited attacking pool: Santiago Castro, Rodrigo Mora, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen are the only forwards available. Paulo Dybala is also out, although he is targeting the trip to Udine.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has been ruled out with a new muscle problem, while Bryan Cristante is back in the squad and aiming to be fully available for Saturday's trip to Napoli, coach Gian Piero Gasperini has said. Speaking after the 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, Gasperini said: "Now we have recovered Cristante but we lose Pellegrini. In certain areas we are a bit stretched." Roma regained their winning form in Europe and rotated their squad, but the injury list grew. Pellegrini was forced off early in the second half against Slovan with a muscle problem, interrupting a spell in which he had been steadily regaining continuity and condition. Gasperini played down the severity of the injury but indicated a recovery of some length: "I don't think it's a serious thing. However small it is, when it's muscular it takes 20 days, I think it's around that value." Further tests will clarify the situation, but Pellegrini is set to miss the Napoli match and several of the games that follow. His absence further complicates the selection in the attacking midfield, already affected by the absence of Paulo Dybala. Cristante had been out for recent weeks with a knee problem sustained after the Roma-Inter match. Against Slovan he was officially named back in the matchday squad, although he did not play, with Gasperini preferring not to rush his return. Being on the bench is still a significant step towards full recovery. The aim now is for him to be genuinely available against Napoli at the Maradona, a date Gasperini had earlier identified as a possible return. His availability could prove particularly valuable given the shortage in midfield. Dybala's situation has changed since the first indications after the Real Madrid match. Initially a simple calf strain was mentioned, but the latest checks revealed a small tear. Ahead of the Slovan game, Gasperini explained the Argentine must rest for at least a couple of weeks. After the European match the coach stressed how much his absence weighs on the attack: "If we don't recover Dybala quickly we will really be few in number." Dybala will therefore miss Napoli, and his recovery will be managed with caution. Manu Koné's rehabilitation continues. Tests carried out after the Roma-Real Madrid match showed a first-degree tear of the right hamstring. The Frenchman will not be available at the Maradona and is working towards a return in the coming weeks. Gasperini had pointed to the Sassuolo match as a possible reference point for his return: "Koné has had an MRI: it is a first-degree tear, not particularly significant. It needs the necessary time for recovery and we hope to have him available for Sassuolo." Whether he could be available sooner for the Champions League trip to Manchester United remains to be assessed. Mile Svilar is also still out, recovering from a stress fracture to a finger. The goalkeeper is continuing his programme and will not be available for the trip to the Maradona. The aim is to have him back after the next international break, once the necessary consolidation work is complete. In the meantime Pierluigi Gollini continues to inspire confidence in goal, having kept two consecutive clean sheets against Genoa and Slovan Bratislava. Until Svilar returns, Gollini will remain Roma's first choice in goal. The absences of Dybala, Pellegrini and Koné mainly reduce the options between midfield and the attacking midfield, but Gasperini can count on Malen's return and the possible recovery of Cristante. The most natural solution remains a 3-4-2-1, with Soulé and Mora behind the Dutchman, although a two-striker system with Malen and Castro, supported by one of the two attacking midfielders, is not ruled out. If Cristante is fully available, an alternative would be to pair him with De Roon in midfield, allowing Pisilli to push forward into the attacking midfield. As of 21 October, the probable Roma line-up is: Gollini; Mancini, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Wesley, De Roon, Pisilli, Molina; Mora, Soulé; Malen. Coach: Gasperini.

Manu Koné is continuing his recovery and will try to return to Roma's squad for the match against Sassuolo, which takes place just before the international break, possibly with a place on the bench in the previous fixture against Manchester United to help him readjust. Gasperini hopes to have him back soon to strengthen a department that will also see the return of Bryan Cristante against Napoli. Paulo Dybala also has hopes of returning earlier than expected, but even in his case it will be very difficult to see him back before the trip to Old Trafford. Mile Svilar's rehabilitation continues after a fracture to his fifth toe, and he is likely to return after the international break. Lorenzo Pellegrini is due to undergo tests today.

Roma responded straight away to their dramatic defeat to Real Madrid, beating Slovan Bratislava 4-0 at the Stadio Olimpico to move up to 4 points in the Champions League. Gian Piero Gasperini made six changes from the side that played Genoa, yet the team kept its identity, intensity and competitiveness. The night was spoiled by a fresh blow from the treatment room: Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered a muscular problem that rekindled concern ahead of the big match against Napoli. The 4-0 win over Slovan Bratislava brought Roma confidence and breathing space, confirming the soundness of Gasperini's choices and his ability to manage the squad's energy without changing the tactical set-up. After the match the coach stressed how vital it is to have a squad ready to respond at all times, especially with a calendar that allows no pause. Pellegrini's injury is a problem to the right thigh flexor, and he will undergo tests and be sidelined for about twenty days. It is a heavy setback that adds to the absences of Dybala, Svilar and Koné, further complicating the management of the attacking department. Roma face a Champions League that promises fascinating challenges against Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but the squad is thin for the delicate trip to the Maradona. The club will have to grit its teeth and make a virtue of necessity.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness has Gian Piero Gasperini anxious after the midfielder pulled up with a problem in his right thigh flexor and asked to be substituted in the 50th minute of Roma's most recent match. The number seven, back in the squad for about a month, is already back on the treatment table. Pellegrini first underwent initial checks on Tuesday, with a magnetic resonance scan due on Wednesday to determine how long he will be out. Roma's hope is that the injury is a first-degree tear, which would keep him sidelined for around 15 days. If the problem proves more serious, he will not return until after the November international break. Roma face Napoli with a limited attacking pool: Santiago Castro, Rodrigo Mora, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen are the only forwards available. Paulo Dybala is also out, although he is targeting the trip to Udine.

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.

Lorenzo Pellegrini faces another spell on the sidelines after leaving the pitch early in Roma's Champions League clash with Slovan Bratislava with a muscle problem, and the captain will undergo instrumental tests tomorrow to establish the extent of the injury. Paolo Assogna, speaking to Manà Manà Sport Roma, reported that the first impressions are far from positive. Roma have been battling a run of absences, yet Gian Piero Gasperini's side have continued to deliver high-level performances, almost managing to mask the unavailability of several players. Bryan Cristante has returned from injury, but Pellegrini is once again forced to stop, adding to the club's fitness concerns at a time when the squad is already stretched. After the match, Gasperini had explained that he did not expect a particularly serious problem, but he had nonetheless suggested a layoff in the region of three weeks. The results of tomorrow's examinations are expected to give a clearer picture of the timeline for the Roma captain's recovery. The concrete risk is that Pellegrini will not return to action until after the mid-November international break.

Roma are waiting anxiously on the condition of Lorenzo Pellegrini, who left the pitch during the match against Slovan Bratislava with a muscular problem in his right thigh. Speaking in his post-match press conference, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini said the midfielder could be sidelined for 20 days. The official diagnosis, along with a timeframe for recovery, will come tomorrow, when Pellegrini, who wears the number 7 shirt, undergoes instrumental tests. Until then, the club's medical staff will not be able to confirm how long he will be out, leaving the squad and supporters in suspense over his availability. Gasperini's estimate of 20 days offers an early indication of the likely absence, but the scan results will determine the final prognosis and whether the Roma captain-level midfielder is ready for the next fixtures.

Lorenzo Pellegrini's fitness has Gian Piero Gasperini anxious after the midfielder pulled up with a problem in his right thigh flexor and asked to be substituted in the 50th minute of Roma's most recent match. The number seven, back in the squad for about a month, is already back on the treatment table. Pellegrini first underwent initial checks on Tuesday, with a magnetic resonance scan due on Wednesday to determine how long he will be out. Roma's hope is that the injury is a first-degree tear, which would keep him sidelined for around 15 days. If the problem proves more serious, he will not return until after the November international break. Roma face Napoli with a limited attacking pool: Santiago Castro, Rodrigo Mora, Matías Soulé and Donyell Malen are the only forwards available. Paulo Dybala is also out, although he is targeting the trip to Udine.