Balerdi in line to start as Roma face Genoa with key absentees

Donyell Malen has established himself as one of Roma's standout performers in the early stages of the 2026–27 season, scoring goals with consistency and forging an immediate understanding with Paulo Dybala. In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the Dutch forward reflected on his rapid adaptation to the club, his decision to leave Aston Villa, and the intensity of Gasperini's training methods. Malen explained that he chose to depart Aston Villa because he wanted to play every Sunday, stating: "I was the one who wanted to leave Aston Villa. I wanted to play every Sunday, it is important. I believe I made the right choice." His partnership with Dybala has flourished from the outset. "There is a connection, it is funny, I saw it on the internet. We have a football bond, football does not need the same language. From the first training session we got on well, it is both that I am good at moving and he is good at giving me the ball at the right times, we try to make the game engaging." Malen also scored a hat-trick on his opening appearance for the club and netted a double against Real Madrid. When asked what struck him most about Roma, Malen answered: "What struck me about Roma are the fans and my teammates. We all have the ambition to take the club to success, and that touched me deeply. It is a great club with extraordinary people." On Gasperini's demanding training philosophy, he acknowledged the difficulty without exaggeration: "Gasperini's training sessions are difficult, but I have never vomited. That is why I learned the word 'tired', I must say so. Sometimes it is really too much, it is hard training. However, it is good for the squad, we are all fit. We push ourselves, we train as we play." Malen is learning Italian and has absorbed key football terminology: 'Donyell', 'difficult', 'tired', 'very', 'hot', 'good', 'brave', 'penalty', 'referee', 'offside'. He praised several teammates—Niccolò Pisilli, Matías Soulé, Devyne Rensch and Manu Koné—as strong players with their own strengths. Malen expressed confidence in Roma's prospects, saying: "I have scored a hat-trick on my first appearance, I think we are very strong. We did not beat Inter by little, I think we can do something great." He also noted the tactical differences between Italian and English football: "Here the climate is different, it is very hot. In England it is cold and rains a lot. The philosophy is different too, teams are organized differently. Here there is more tactics, some teams defend in a block and it is difficult to penetrate them. In England they play more freely, they leave open space."

Roma face Genoa on Sunday aiming to bounce back from a 4-3 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid that ended their 14-game unbeaten run this season. Donyell Malen scored twice in the second half to give Roma a 3-1 lead against Real Madrid on Wednesday, but conceding three goals in seven minutes proved costly and cost Roma their perfect Serie A home record. Genoa arrive at the Olimpico in high spirits after beating Fiorentina 2-1 last weekend with two goals in the opening 15 minutes, securing their first league win of the season after one draw and four losses. De Rossi, who managed Roma from 2024 to 2025 and again in 2019, now leads Genoa, the club where he played before retiring. Genoa have suffered just one defeat in their last 40 Serie A home matches, but have not won at the Olimpico since 1990. Roma's defensive solidity will be under scrutiny after conceding multiple goals in two of their last three competitive outings. A victory would bring Roma to 17 points from seven Serie A rounds for the first time since 2014–15. The Giallorossi have not lost any of their last 15 league matches at home, with 11 wins and four draws, and have been historically dominant against Genoa on home turf, losing just once in their last 40 top-flight clashes at the Olimpico (33 wins, 6 draws). However, a 3-1 loss at the Marassi in their last Serie A meeting should serve as a warning. Malen's absence is significant: the Dutch forward has scored six of Roma's 14 league goals this season, accounting for nearly 43% of their total. Genoa summer signing Milutin Osmajic continued his strong start with a goal against Fiorentina, his third of the season, and has scored 60% of Genoa's Serie A goals in 2026–27. Former Roma forward Stephan El Shaarawy poses an additional threat. Genoa have conceded at least once in their last six top-flight encounters and failed to keep a clean sheet across their last three Serie A away trips, including a 2–1 defeat at Parma. Roma will be without Malen, who must serve a one-game suspension, goalkeeper Mile Svilar, and midfielder Manu Koné, who suffered a muscle strain against Real Madrid. Niccolò Pisilli, who replaced Koné in that match, could return to the starting lineup in place of Bryan Cristante. Paulo Dybala is also a doubt. Genoa must manage without Lorenzo Colombo, Djibril Sow, Elias Havel, Ethan Meichtry, and Lorenzo Venturino, though Junior Messias, who scored in last season's home win over Roma, will join Osmajic in attack after netting against Fiorentina. Roma are predicted to extend their proud home record and secure victory, though a universe exists in which De Rossi leads Genoa to their first Serie A win at the Olimpico since the early 1990s.

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's painful defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday—a loss made all the more difficult by a dominant first-eighty-two minutes undone by three corner-kick goals in the closing stage—has left the club facing an immediate test of character. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is determined to restore momentum with tomorrow's fixture against Genoa, and his willingness to address the squad and media again so soon signals his conviction that the setback must not be allowed to dampen the enthusiasm that has driven the team's progress so far this season. Gasperini's insistence on dialogue reflects his awareness of the danger posed by such reversals. The coach appears conscious of the parallel to Roma's collapse against Juventus last season, when the team surrendered a 3–1 lead to draw 3–3 in the final moments. A single match lost, no matter how bitterly, cannot erase the quality Roma displayed for the vast majority of Wednesday's contest or the genuine progress being made both in European competition and the domestic league. The squad and technical staff have built something of substance; a late reversal does not undo that work. Gasperini believes a clear restatement of purpose is essential to prevent the mood from fracturing. Among the consolations are individual performances worth preserving in memory. Donyell Malen continues to prove himself a centre-forward of substance; Wesley delivered an outstanding display; Matías Soulé, Rodrigo Mora—who provided an assist for Malen—and Marten de Roon all merited praise. Pierluigi Gollini, Leonardo Balerdi and Nahuel Molina were among those who made individual errors in the closing moments, but such analysis cannot overshadow eight-five minutes of superior football. For tomorrow's match against Genoa, managed by Claudio Ranieri, Gasperini will have only seventeen outfield players available. Absent through injury or other reasons will be Mile Svilar, Bryan Cristante, Manu Koné, Paulo Dybala and Malen—the spine of the squad. The fixture may yet vindicate the manager's stated wish for a left-sided attacker of right-foot preference and a left-sided winger; the club may now understand that such requests were not whim but necessity.

Roma's loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday stung deeply—the team dominated for nearly the entire match before conceding three goals from corner kicks in the final eight minutes. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has chosen to speak publicly less than 48 hours after the defeat, a signal of his determination to rebuild momentum ahead of tomorrow's fixture against Genoa, then Roma-Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday. The setback must not erase what the squad has accomplished; Roma deserved to win until the 82nd minute, and individual errors in the closing stretch—from goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, defender Leonardo Balerdi, and Nahuel Molina—should not overshadow the collective effort. Gasperini's readiness to address the media reflects lessons learned from Roma's collapse against Juventus last season, when the team surrendered a 3–1 lead and conceded two late goals. The loss to Real Madrid represents a growth process for both squad and club—and may vindicate the coach's request for a left-sided attacker with a right foot and a left-sided winger, demands that were not whimsy but tactical necessity. Despite the pain, there is much to celebrate: Donyell Malen has proven himself no ordinary Italian second-string forward; Wesley delivered an outstanding display; and Matías Soulé provided immediate impact with an assist for Malen, as did midfielder Rodrigo Mora, while Marten de Roon also earned praise for his contribution. For tomorrow's Genoa match, Gasperini will have only 17 outfield players available. The absences strike at the spine of the side: goalkeeper Mile Svilar, midfielder Bryan Cristante, fellow midfielder Manu Koné, forward Paulo Dybala, and Malen are all unavailable. The fixture comes as Genoa, managed by Claudio Ranieri, provide the immediate test of Roma's response.

Roma face Genoa on 17 October at 20:45 at the Olimpico, two days after their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini provided an injury update at his pre-match press conference, confirming that Manu Koné has a first-degree muscle strain. "Koné had an MRI scan, he has a first-degree lesion that is not particularly significant," Gasperini said. "Clearly it takes the necessary time, we hope to recover him perhaps with Sassuolo a bit before the break." Paulo Dybala is sidelined by calf fatigue but is expected to return within the week. "There is nothing particular with Dybala, it is fatigue on the calf muscle and we hope to recover him next week," the coach added. Gasperini confirmed that Santiago Castro will start in attack in place of the injured Donyell Malen, and indicated Lorenzo Pellegrini could drop into midfield to manage the fixture congestion. Bryan Cristante is also being assessed and could return against Napoli or shortly after. "Castro did not play in the last two matches—at Como because we were down to ten men and the other evening because of how the match unfolded," Gasperini explained. "But he is a player of value, he has already played our championship and done so very well. Tomorrow is a good opportunity for him." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent form despite the Real Madrid loss, saying: "We come out of these three matches reinforced in the idea that, if nothing particular happens, we can compete with them." He acknowledged the psychological impact of conceding three goals in the comeback against Real but stressed it was not a physical issue. "The setback exists, there certainly was one after the 3-2," he said. "It is something to work on and remedy, especially because this squad should not feel the need to necessarily win the Champions League or the title." With four matches in ten days approaching, Gasperini warned that squad depth will be essential. "With this calendar we cannot always play without changing the squad or making substitutions," he said. "We must necessarily broaden the squad; someone like Castro, Rodrigo Mora or others who will play need to acquire the same confidence and strength." He also hinted that academy players may feature: "For us tomorrow is the third match in seven days and Tuesday will be the fourth in ten. Either we adapt or we suffer. What worries me is that we will have few substitutes; in the 90 minutes in some position a youth player could even make his debut."

Gian Piero Gasperini provided an injury update on the eve of Roma's match against Genoa. Manu Koné has suffered a first-degree muscle strain and is expected to return for the Sassuolo fixture before the international break. Paulo Dybala is carrying a calf muscle fatigue and should be fit within the coming week. Gasperini acknowledged Roma face a mounting injury crisis that could force him to reshape his midfield and forward line. He indicated that Lorenzo Pellegrini may move deeper into midfield to cover gaps, while Santiago Castro is ready to step in for Donyell Malen. Bryan Cristante is also sidelined, with hopes of his return against Napoli or the match that follows. The manager emphasised that Roma's squad depth will be tested: "Not only do we have the squad as 11, not even 15 or 16, but a minimum of 20 players when you play in these competitions, because injuries and suspensions exist." Gasperini reflected on Roma's performance in the Champions League loss to Real Madrid, saying the team demonstrated quality across three difficult matches against Inter, Como and Real Madrid, but psychological reaction faltered after going 2–3 down. "The mental setback exists and it was there at 3–2," he said. "This squad doesn't need to feel the need to win the Champions League or the Scudetto. This squad needs to express itself, that's all." On defending set pieces, Gasperini noted that corner situations have become a source of vulnerability: Roma conceded twice from corners against Real Madrid, with defending players showing fear and lack of reaction. He defended his substitutes, stating that Rodrigo Mora, Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli had all performed well when introduced. Marten de Roon, he added, has been entirely reliable despite playing many matches in ten days. Gasperini warned that Roma's lack of depth reserves is his primary concern heading into the Genoa match. "What worries me tomorrow is that we have few changes; in some areas, some Primavera players could make their debut," he said.

Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference on 16 October ahead of Roma's Serie A fixture against Genoa on 17 October at 20:45 at the Stadio Olimpico. The manager provided injury updates following Roma's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid: Manu Koné has sustained a grade-one muscle lesion and Roma hope to have him available for the Sassuolo match, while Paulo Dybala is suffering fatigue to his calf and may return within a week. Gasperini confirmed that young players including Santiago Castro will feature prominently due to injuries and suspensions affecting the squad. Gasperini reflected on the defeat to Real Madrid, acknowledging Roma's quality whilst highlighting the importance of reacting immediately. He said the squad has demonstrated value over recent months and can compete with elite teams, but must avoid moral collapses. He noted that Roma were reduced to ten men against Como in their previous match, and highlighted the specific damage inflicted by Real Madrid's set-piece goals: "Three goals from corners…I had seen three missed penalties and thought that was a record, the other evening we surpassed ourselves." Gasperini stressed the need to strengthen the squad depth, saying that sides competing in the Champions League cannot operate with a squad of only 15 players and that substitutions are essential. On team selection for Genoa, Gasperini confirmed Lorenzo Pellegrini can operate in midfield and that Bryan Cristante is being assessed with a view to facing Napoli. Castro will lead the attack, offering "a good opportunity" for the youngster. De Roon, Matías Soulé and Rodrigo Mora were discussed as young players in development. Gasperini defended the use of five substitutes and set-piece defending, noting: "In such tight spaces, you defend anyway on the man, on the opponent. You don't follow him everywhere. It has always been effective; last year we won matches with Mancini, Hermoso, N'Dicka, Cristante…the other evening this happened." He added that some recent substitutes had performed well: "Mora came on well, Pellegrini too, Pisilli came on immediately, Koulierakis came on at the end." Gasperini emphasized that Roma must produce a strong response against Genoa. He stated: "Tomorrow we have a need for strength, conviction, energy…In the league we are protagonists, and tomorrow is a match that in one way or another we must pull out. If you win this type of match you recover players and give value to the players." The manager indicated that young academy players from the Primavera may be used if necessary.

Roma face Genoa at the Olimpico on the day after their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, with the focus turning to how quickly Gian Piero Gasperini's side can respond to a surreal collapse in the final twenty minutes of that European match. Genoa arrive in Rome on the back of a victory over Fiorentina that has stabilised Daniele De Rossi's position on their bench, where he has struggled with just one point from five matches until that win. Legend Roberto Pruzzo, speaking ahead of the fixture, offered perspective on both sides' circumstances. On Genoa's revival, he said: "I'd say so, because it was shaky—with one point in five matches it's tough, even though he [De Rossi] has integrated completely at Genoa and the whole environment respects him. Results can't elude you for too long, regardless of the name you carry and the appeal you have with the supporters. My friends in Genoa are convinced the win over Fiorentina has unblocked the team's mind, so even with the limits Genoa has, they will put up a fight." On Roma's immediate recovery task, Pruzzo noted that while quick returns after psychological blows are generally beneficial, the combined toll of athletic and mental exertion from the Real Madrid match would linger. "Beating Genoa would mean getting back on track straight away," he said. Addressing the collapse itself—seventy minutes of acclaim followed by a "surreal" finale—Pruzzo observed: "Roma put on a show for over an hour, we all agree on that, but matches last ninety minutes, so when the fatigue alarm goes off, sometimes you have to... throw the ball in the Tiber!" Gasperini is set to make two key changes: Lorenzo Pellegrini will move into midfield in place of Manu Koné, and Santiago Castro will start in attack because Donyell Malen is unavailable. Pruzzo backed the latter adaptation, saying: "Castro is a centre-forward—if not now, when? It's his chance."

Roma face Genoa on 17 October at 20:45 at the Olimpico, two days after their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini provided an injury update at his pre-match press conference, confirming that Manu Koné has a first-degree muscle strain. "Koné had an MRI scan, he has a first-degree lesion that is not particularly significant," Gasperini said. "Clearly it takes the necessary time, we hope to recover him perhaps with Sassuolo a bit before the break." Paulo Dybala is sidelined by calf fatigue but is expected to return within the week. "There is nothing particular with Dybala, it is fatigue on the calf muscle and we hope to recover him next week," the coach added. Gasperini confirmed that Santiago Castro will start in attack in place of the injured Donyell Malen, and indicated Lorenzo Pellegrini could drop into midfield to manage the fixture congestion. Bryan Cristante is also being assessed and could return against Napoli or shortly after. "Castro did not play in the last two matches—at Como because we were down to ten men and the other evening because of how the match unfolded," Gasperini explained. "But he is a player of value, he has already played our championship and done so very well. Tomorrow is a good opportunity for him." Gasperini reflected on Roma's recent form despite the Real Madrid loss, saying: "We come out of these three matches reinforced in the idea that, if nothing particular happens, we can compete with them." He acknowledged the psychological impact of conceding three goals in the comeback against Real but stressed it was not a physical issue. "The setback exists, there certainly was one after the 3-2," he said. "It is something to work on and remedy, especially because this squad should not feel the need to necessarily win the Champions League or the title." With four matches in ten days approaching, Gasperini warned that squad depth will be essential. "With this calendar we cannot always play without changing the squad or making substitutions," he said. "We must necessarily broaden the squad; someone like Castro, Rodrigo Mora or others who will play need to acquire the same confidence and strength." He also hinted that academy players may feature: "For us tomorrow is the third match in seven days and Tuesday will be the fourth in ten. Either we adapt or we suffer. What worries me is that we will have few substitutes; in the 90 minutes in some position a youth player could even make his debut."

Gian Piero Gasperini provided an injury update on the eve of Roma's match against Genoa. Manu Koné has suffered a first-degree muscle strain and is expected to return for the Sassuolo fixture before the international break. Paulo Dybala is carrying a calf muscle fatigue and should be fit within the coming week. Gasperini acknowledged Roma face a mounting injury crisis that could force him to reshape his midfield and forward line. He indicated that Lorenzo Pellegrini may move deeper into midfield to cover gaps, while Santiago Castro is ready to step in for Donyell Malen. Bryan Cristante is also sidelined, with hopes of his return against Napoli or the match that follows. The manager emphasised that Roma's squad depth will be tested: "Not only do we have the squad as 11, not even 15 or 16, but a minimum of 20 players when you play in these competitions, because injuries and suspensions exist." Gasperini reflected on Roma's performance in the Champions League loss to Real Madrid, saying the team demonstrated quality across three difficult matches against Inter, Como and Real Madrid, but psychological reaction faltered after going 2–3 down. "The mental setback exists and it was there at 3–2," he said. "This squad doesn't need to feel the need to win the Champions League or the Scudetto. This squad needs to express itself, that's all." On defending set pieces, Gasperini noted that corner situations have become a source of vulnerability: Roma conceded twice from corners against Real Madrid, with defending players showing fear and lack of reaction. He defended his substitutes, stating that Rodrigo Mora, Pellegrini and Niccolò Pisilli had all performed well when introduced. Marten de Roon, he added, has been entirely reliable despite playing many matches in ten days. Gasperini warned that Roma's lack of depth reserves is his primary concern heading into the Genoa match. "What worries me tomorrow is that we have few changes; in some areas, some Primavera players could make their debut," he said.