Argentina call-up: Balerdi, Soulé and Castro named as Dybala left out

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).

Roma head to Udinese today, 31 October, at the Bluenergy Stadium with Gian Piero Gasperini relying on a front three of Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. The fixture comes before Roma's Champions League trip to Manchester and their match against Sassuolo, and the squad faces the run without its most important players returning from injury. As La Repubblica reports, while the team is in Friuli fighting to hold its place in the top positions of the table, the group left in Trigoria is reduced by a long list of injuries. The medical staff has chosen caution. Paulo Dybala, who stayed in Rome for a personalised programme, is targeting the trip to Old Trafford, but a calf problem demands care. A return from the bench against Sassuolo, or directly after the international break, is considered more realistic, a situation similar to that of goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Without its most experienced men but with a solid squad, Gasperini has entrusted the attack to the trio of Malen, Soulé and Mora, who are charged with leading Roma through this delicate stage of the season. The match is one of several close-together fixtures in a demanding run, with the club continuing to juggle its selection while the infirmary remains full.

Roma coach Palladino has said Artem Dovbyk is not yet fit enough to play a full 90 minutes, though the striker is available for selection. Palladino said: "We had a discussion and he tried to put my requests into practice. He doesn't have the condition to last ninety minutes but he is available." The striker has struggled to make an impact recently. Over the last two matches Dovbyk has watched from the bench, and across his last four appearances he has played just 14 minutes in total, a meagre return well below expectations. Palladino made clear the problem is not quality but fitness, stating that the Ukrainian is not yet able to guarantee minutes and reliability. There are signs of progress. Palladino admitted: "Artem pushed harder during the week." Roma face Monza today, and Dovbyk is hoping to earn a place in the starting line-up. Should things remain as they are, his return to Rome could come sooner than expected.

Former Roma director Walter Sabatini has continued to praise Gian Piero Gasperini's side, focusing on the spirit within the group. Sabatini said: "The spiritual cohesion is a superior factor. Roma are going through this collective state of mind." He added: "Gasperini teaches the orthodoxy of winning, he is a coach who makes you take giant strides." On the 3-3 draw in Naples, Sabatini said: "It is a tonic for Italian football. Both sides played very well." Roma open their final week before the international break in Udine, and the fixture will be followed by matches against Manchester United and Sassuolo. Gasperini does not plan to rotate and wants to field the best possible Roma side in Udine. Gollini will be confirmed in goal, while Ghilardi is named by all the newspapers among the starters in defence. The other two central defensive places remain a contest between Balerdi, N'Dicka and Hermoso. Lulli and Wesley are favoured on the flanks, while Cristante, De Roon and Pisilli rotate in midfield. Up front, Soulé and Malen are certain to start, with Pisilli and Mora in contention to complete the attack. Roma have 21 points after nine matches, the same total as after nine matchdays last season, but they have collected four more points than in the same fixtures last year. Gasperini is close to his 30th Serie A win as Roma coach and could reach it in his 48th game in charge, ahead of Spalletti (54), Capello (55) and Mourinho (59).

Roma travel to Udine this evening, Halloween, for a 6pm kickoff against an Udinese side in deep crisis, with Gian Piero Gasperini's team looking to close the gap at the top of Serie A. The match comes in the middle of a demanding run that sees Roma head to Manchester on Tuesday for the Champions League. Udinese have collected just five points from their first nine matches, the club's worst start in the three-points-for-a-win era, and coach Kosta Runjaic's position is under growing pressure. On paper Roma are clear favourites, but the article warns not to underestimate a side desperate for results. Inter and Lazio lead the table, four points ahead of the Giallorossi, and Milan's derby is also being played tonight. A win in Udine would put pressure on the leaders and extend a run that, in Serie A, has yet to suffer a defeat. Udinese's home record is poor, particularly at the Bluenergy Stadium: one point from five home games, two goals scored and nine conceded. Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Parma did at least end a run of six consecutive defeats. Runjaic's side still have weapons that could trouble Roma, starting with their physicality, intensity in duels and ability to win second balls. The last meeting in Friuli, won 1-0 by the Bianconeri with a goal from Ekkelenkamp, is a warning Gasperini knows well. Roma's recent win over Cagliari was tougher than it should have been, with tiredness and some defensive lapses nearly costing them, before Lulli and Mora's contributions secured the points. Gasperini will again be without Svilar, Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal, while Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso are pushing for selection in defence. De Roon may be rested, with Cristante and Pisilli favoured in midfield. Up front, Mora is aiming for a starting place alongside Soulé, behind Malen. Around 5,000 Roma fans are expected to travel to Friuli. The article notes that the temptation to rest players for Old Trafford exists, but Gasperini cannot afford to drop points in Serie A while thinking about Europe. The match is presented as a test of a side that wants to stay among the top places in the table. Against the big teams motivation comes almost naturally, the article says, while against teams fighting relegation concentration, patience and the ability to impose themselves when energy runs low are required. As the article puts it, Manchester can wait; first comes Udine.

Roma travel to Udinese for their Serie A round 10 fixture at the Bluenergy Stadium, with kickoff at 18:00. Gasperini is reportedly preparing his side around the players in the best form, and Ghilardi is expected to start in defence, while Mancini is set to begin on the bench. Lulli is expected to be confirmed at right-back, while the central defensive berth remains a contest between Hermoso and Balerdi. Up front, the Soulé, Mora and Malen trio is set to be retained, the attacking line that has given the most assurances in recent weeks. The Italian sports dailies have published their probable line-ups for the match, and several of them agree on the broad shape of the side. Gollini is in goal for every outlet, with Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli and Wesley featuring prominently in midfield and defence. Roma's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is expected to name the side that he believes gives his team the best chance of taking maximum points from the trip north, as the club looks to avoid dropping points on the road. La Gazzetta dello Sport projects: Gollini; Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. Corriere dello Sport, Tuttosport: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Balerdi; Lulli, De Roon, Cristante, Wesley; Soulé, Pisilli; Malen. Il Tempo: Gollini; Ghilardi, Balerdi, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, De Roon, Wesley; Pisilli, Soulé; Malen. Il Messaggero and RomaNews EU: Gollini; Ghilardi, N'Dicka, Hermoso; Lulli, Cristante, Pisilli, Wesley; Soulé, Mora; Malen. All predicted line-ups are under Gasperini.

Bookmaker odds from all the major operators have been published ahead of Udinese vs Roma, according to Forzaroma.info's preview of the match. The article is headlined around the prediction and odds, with the prices from every bookmaker set out for the fixture. The piece sits alongside a cluster of Roma news from the same day. Ahead of the trip to Udine, Roma's probable line-up has been reported: Mora and Soulé are set to play behind Malen, with Ghilardi starting from the first minute. Balerdi, Castro, Soulé and Molina were pictured travelling to Udine on the flight, with the Argentine group playing cards on the journey. Elsewhere in the same news cycle, Italiano spoke about Castro after his goal against Genoa, saying: "Against Genoa a goal from a champion. In training he invented them." Runjaic also commented on Roma, stating: "Roma are fighting for the scudetto. Zaniolo is not at 100% but he will play." Separately, Brussels prosecutors have asked for two years in prison for former Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan on drug trafficking charges.

Former Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano has praised Roma striker Santiago Castro after his goal against Genoa, calling it "a champion's move". Italiano, now enjoying his experience in Istanbul, spoke to Gianluca Di Marzio on Sky Calcio Unplugged and singled out the Argentine's finish as the highlight of the recent match. Italiano worked with Castro during his time at Bologna, where the two spent two seasons together. The former boss said the forward has a natural flair for the spectacular and that he has seen it on the training ground. The praise comes as Castro's goal put him back at the centre of attention around the club. Italiano said: "Against Genoa he scored a great goal, a move worthy of a champion. Santi has those kinds of moves in him. In training, in those two years at Bologna, he kept inventing moves like an Argentine, a player who inside the box has so often managed to score important goals."

The four Argentines in the Roma squad — Leonardo Balerdi, Santiago Castro, Matías Soulé and Nahuel Molina — were pictured playing cards on the flight that took the team to Udine, where Roma face Runjaic's side tomorrow with a 6pm kick-off. The group played on a personalised table bearing the Argentina national team crest and the shirt numbers of all five of the group's players, including the No. 21 of Paulo Dybala, who will not be available for the match tomorrow either. The photo published by the club has already gone viral on social media. The Argentine contingent at the club has grown considerably in the latest summer transfer window, and the image highlights the close bond within the group as Roma prepare for the trip to the Friuli. The snapshot captures the mix of smiles, concentration and friendly rivalry that marks the group's time together on the road, with the cards game the highlight of the journey.

Roma travel to the Bluenergy Stadium to face Udinese today, the last match before the international break, with Gian Piero Gasperini's side aiming to keep their winning run going despite a heavy injury list. Roma then fly to Manchester for their Champions League clash at Old Trafford and close the cycle at the Olimpico against Sassuolo. According to Corriere della Sera, Svilar, Koné, Pellegrini and Dybala are all absent, yet Gasperini's team approach the fixture with confidence. Roma have already collected four more points than at this stage last season against the same opponents, and the side are showing clear progress. Around 5,000 fans will travel to Friuli to back the team. Gasperini can also reach a notable landmark: becoming the fastest coach in Roma history to reach 30 Serie A wins, ahead of Spalletti, Capello and Mourinho. The coach is expected to rely on his core players and rotate the squad. Ghilardi and Hermoso are set to start either side of N'Dicka, with Wesley on the flanks and Soulé and Mora operating behind Donyell Malen, the team's main focal point up front.

Roma head to Udinese today, 31 October, at the Bluenergy Stadium with Gian Piero Gasperini relying on a front three of Donyell Malen, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora. The fixture comes before Roma's Champions League trip to Manchester and their match against Sassuolo, and the squad faces the run without its most important players returning from injury. As La Repubblica reports, while the team is in Friuli fighting to hold its place in the top positions of the table, the group left in Trigoria is reduced by a long list of injuries. The medical staff has chosen caution. Paulo Dybala, who stayed in Rome for a personalised programme, is targeting the trip to Old Trafford, but a calf problem demands care. A return from the bench against Sassuolo, or directly after the international break, is considered more realistic, a situation similar to that of goalkeeper Mile Svilar. Without its most experienced men but with a solid squad, Gasperini has entrusted the attack to the trio of Malen, Soulé and Mora, who are charged with leading Roma through this delicate stage of the season. The match is one of several close-together fixtures in a demanding run, with the club continuing to juggle its selection while the infirmary remains full.

Roma travel to Udine this evening, Halloween, for a 6pm kickoff against an Udinese side in deep crisis, with Gian Piero Gasperini's team looking to close the gap at the top of Serie A. The match comes in the middle of a demanding run that sees Roma head to Manchester on Tuesday for the Champions League. Udinese have collected just five points from their first nine matches, the club's worst start in the three-points-for-a-win era, and coach Kosta Runjaic's position is under growing pressure. On paper Roma are clear favourites, but the article warns not to underestimate a side desperate for results. Inter and Lazio lead the table, four points ahead of the Giallorossi, and Milan's derby is also being played tonight. A win in Udine would put pressure on the leaders and extend a run that, in Serie A, has yet to suffer a defeat. Udinese's home record is poor, particularly at the Bluenergy Stadium: one point from five home games, two goals scored and nine conceded. Wednesday's 0-0 draw with Parma did at least end a run of six consecutive defeats. Runjaic's side still have weapons that could trouble Roma, starting with their physicality, intensity in duels and ability to win second balls. The last meeting in Friuli, won 1-0 by the Bianconeri with a goal from Ekkelenkamp, is a warning Gasperini knows well. Roma's recent win over Cagliari was tougher than it should have been, with tiredness and some defensive lapses nearly costing them, before Lulli and Mora's contributions secured the points. Gasperini will again be without Svilar, Dybala, Koné and Pellegrini. Gollini is set to keep his place in goal, while Ghilardi, Balerdi and Hermoso are pushing for selection in defence. De Roon may be rested, with Cristante and Pisilli favoured in midfield. Up front, Mora is aiming for a starting place alongside Soulé, behind Malen. Around 5,000 Roma fans are expected to travel to Friuli. The article notes that the temptation to rest players for Old Trafford exists, but Gasperini cannot afford to drop points in Serie A while thinking about Europe. The match is presented as a test of a side that wants to stay among the top places in the table. Against the big teams motivation comes almost naturally, the article says, while against teams fighting relegation concentration, patience and the ability to impose themselves when energy runs low are required. As the article puts it, Manchester can wait; first comes Udine.